Naltrexone Detoxification
We have tried to give you an insight into the principles of drug addiction treatment available at our clinic for addiction disease. There are several stages of the treatment.
The first phase is the stationary phase, which requires that the patient spends 24 hours a day in the hospital.
In-patient treatment is of the closed type and it is necessary to comply with the house-rules. If the patient’s condition is stable enough, they can take walks with the psychologist, receive visits, or do exercises. Taking any psychoactive substances like coffee, carbonated beverages, and departing from the clinic without being accompanied by staff is strictly prohibited.
1st The treatment begins with the diagnosis (blood tests, tests that establish the level of dependency, possible existence of depression). In the first days of detoxification, which eliminates the withdrawal symptoms, the the body is cleansed from the psychoactive substances. During the detoxification, the patient is administered infusions, supplements that eliminate the withdrawal symptoms, sedatives and tranquilizers. Absence of withdrawal symptoms is a criterion for successful detoxification (there is no diarrhea, vomiting, pain, anxiety, etc.). At the end of detoxification, the patient can the start using naltrexone (Nalorex, revia, Antaxon) and blockers, that moreover prevent the withdrawal symptoms from showing up.
2nd Towards the end of the detoxification there are some usual psychological withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, obsessive thoughts about the drugs, changeable mood, sleep). Therefore, at that time it is necessary to resolve these signs of psychological dependence. the method applied in this phase is the pharmacological correction which includes information therapy, and the usage of transfer apparatus in physiotherapy. Another goal is to increase the patient’s immunity and speed up the regeneration of cells in the organism. Typically, the mental condition of patients is stabilized during the treatment (the desire for drugs, nervousness and depression disappear, sleep and appetite improve). There is also group therapy, yoga, massage, walking, gymnastics and table tennis.
3rd After treatment, a pharmacological blockade is provided by an implant with naltrexone. The purpose of this procedure is that the effect of naltrexone will block the receptors for opiates and taking heroin, methadone or Trodon so that they don’t produce the usual effect of euphoria and in this way the patient does not relapse. the implant is an experimental drug and can be dangerous if the patient relapese while using it because they can overdose more easily and this can lead to a comatose condition or paralysis which can interfere with breathing.
4th The outpatient phase begins after the patient is discharged from the hospital, and this phase lasts one year. The patient needs to follow the rules prescribed to them in their discharge papers. They have their monthly check-ups at the clinic. In case of mood changes, depression, or the desire for drugs, the patient is immediately admitted to the hospital so that they can receive additional instructions. When the first implant loses its effect, the next one is utilized, but this is additionally charged. We have been implementing this type of treatment in our clinic for some time already and if the patient and his family are prepared to follow our instructions and work actively, we achieve excellent results (you see the results in our surveys filled out by our patients and their parents).
Depending on their financial ability or other reasons, patients ca receive various treatment programs. Naltrexone implant cost:
1st The treatment of physical dependence, painless and comfortable detoxification, which lasts at least three weeks costs from 1000 € and upwards, depending on the dosage, substance, and the health problems present:
a) Normal detoxification is administered unless aggravating somatic and mental disorders are present – at a heroin dose of up to 2 grams Length: 2-3 days. Cost: € 1000.
b) Special, extended detoxification (in patients with aggravating the somatic or mental illness and whose intake of heroin dose is above 2 grams). Application of strong antagonists (methadone, Kompensan, Substidol or other substances with prolonged effect). Combined use of opiates, benzodiazepines or other psychoactive substances. Duration: 5-6 days. Cost: 1500 €.
2nd Blocking the opiate receptors by a naltrexone implant to prevent a relapse:
- For a month 200 €
- For two months 400 €
- For three months 500 €
- For six months 1800 €
- For twelve months 2500 €
3rd The complex treatment of physical and psychological drug dependence that finalizes the painless detoxification, the treatment of addiction, the obsessive thoughts and memories of drug (14 days), and the usage of the implant that blocks the opiate receptorsfor the first two months while the outpatient therapy lasts 12 months and whose aim is to fight against a possible relapse (from 5000 € depending on the substance).
An individual treatment program for accompanying somatic and mental disorders can be constructed at the request of the patient.