Naltrexone- Pro Or Con

I’ve been on a harm reduction kick lately, always looking for a solution for addiction other than 12 step programs (which are only successful for the ‘few’, not the ‘many’). I got so excited to find even just a handful of doctors that actually think moderation can be taught. But as I read and spoke to many people I have come to find that Naltrexone, an anti craving drug, is being widely used in conjunction with the therapy they give, a disheartening example of cross-addiction. Anxiety; appetite loss; chills; constipation; delayed ejaculation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; feeling down; headache; increased energy; increased thirst; irritability; joint and muscle pain; low energy; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; stomach pain/cramps; and vomiting, are just some of the side effects than a client can feel from taking Naltrenone. Oh, what’s this? “Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Naltrexone: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abdominal or stomach pain; cramping; dark urine; depression; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; white bowel movements; yellowing of the skin or eyes.”

But I thought you were a harm reduction doctor, and now I find you are all using Naltrexone (less harmful than heroin or alcohol??????? ) all in the name of harm reduction. I’m confused and disappointed. Is there nothing out there with a high propensity for success when it comes to treating addiction?

Alison, being prone to allergic reactions, should never take Naltrexone, however, it was given to her at one point, under Grandma’s supervision, with severe side effects and no benefit- it just made her sick as hell.

Why do I still seek answers, when Alison is presumably in a good place and well rooted in recovery?
• No one know what is really in the mind of another- is she calm with minimum cravings or are her thoughts raging out of control

• Relapse is always an option

I will continue my quest but as of now Alison is in the best place possible because she is where she wants to be, and …she is clean.