Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication that works by blocking the effects of opioids. Patients taking naltrexone receive a monthly injection, which reduces cravings for heroin/opioids and also blocks the brain’s opioid receptors from the patient feeling any euphoric effects should they impulsively use heroin. Naltrexone cannot be administered to a patient until he or she has been totally withdrawn from opioids (a procedure known as detoxification) and has been opioid-free for at least 7 days. Naltrexone prevents relapse and can also be used by patients who have been in treatment and have tapered off buprenorphine as an added protection against relapse.

Related Training Resources

Presenter(s):
Arthur Robin Williams, MD, MBE; and Peter Treitler, PhD
Credit Available:
CE Credit(s): Yes
Designations: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, Nursing Contact Hour(s), AAPA Category 1 CME credit, Social Work CE Credit, Pharmacy CE Credit, Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) Credit
This session explores the clinical and policy landscape of providing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in jails, prisons, and reentry settings. Dr. Arthur Robin Williams and Dr. Peter Treitler review recent research on the effectiveness of MOUD in reducing overdose and improving post-release treatment engagement. The session highlights key differences among methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone, including regulatory and logistical considerations unique to correctional environments. Learners will examine policy updates, case-based examples, and implementation strategies that support evidence-based treatment access. The session also addresses interdisciplinary collaboration, diversion concerns, and continuity of care across incarceration and reentry.
Due to the opioid epidemic, over 2.5 million adults in the U.S. have opioid use disorder (OUD), yet only 25% of those who need treatment receive recommended medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Alongside the rising rates of OUD, there has been an increase in infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, endocarditis and skin and soft-tissue infections, particularly among people who inject drugs. These intertwining epidemics have not been sufficiently addressed, but MOUD — combined with appropriate substance use treatment supports and health care services — represents an opportunity to reduce risk and improve health outcomes.
Presenter(s):
Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD
Credit Available:
CE Credit(s): Yes
Designations: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, Nursing Contact Hour(s), Pharmacy CE Credit, AAPA Category 1 CME Credit, Social Work CE Credit, and IPCE Credit
Provides a basic introduction of the concepts of the disease of addiction and the role of the reward system. Using neuroscience concepts as a foundation, clinical manifestations of the disease of addiction are then discussed in the form of case-based presentations. 
Presenter(s):
Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD
Credit Available:
CE Credit(s): Yes
Designations: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, Nursing Contact Hour(s), Pharmacy CE Credit, AAPA Category 1 CME Credit, Social Work CE Credit, and IPCE Credit
Outlines the basic concepts of alcohol and drug use disorders. Standard drink sizes, screening for alcohol use disorders and an introduction to alcohol withdrawal management are discussed. A basic overview of the major drug use disorders are then discussed in a clinically-relevant manner. 
Presenter(s):
Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD
Credit Available:
CE Credit(s): Yes
Designations: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, Nursing Contact Hour(s), Pharmacy CE Credit, AAPA Category 1 CME Credit, Social Work CE Credit, and IPCE Credit
Provides an overview of the history of opioid use with an overview of contributing factors to the current epidemic. Using clinical cases, opioid use disorder is then discussed in detail. Finally, there is a discussion of harm reduction approaches and treatment options.
Presenter(s):
Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD
Credit Available:
CE Credit(s): Yes
Designations: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, Nursing Contact Hour(s), Pharmacy CE Credit, AAPA Category 1 CME Credit, Social Work CE Credit, and IPCE Credit
Introduces evidence-based clinical practices of pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments for substance use disorders. Off label medications and psychosocial support programs are also discussed.
Presenter(s):
Daniel Rosa, MD, FASAM
Credit Available:
CE Credit(s): Yes
Designations: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, Nursing Contact Hours, AAPA Category 1 CME, Social Work CE Credit, Pharmacy CE Credit, Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) Credit
As the opioid use crisis continues to progress, communities across the country are now being faced with additional dangers such as the misuse of Xylazine, a powerful sedative commonly used for animals in the drug supply. Recent studies indicate these potent substances when used with opioids increase overdose risk and complicates treatment and long-term healthcare. Join us today as we discuss the history and context of Xylazine and opioid use as well as options for treatment and care.
Shared decision-making (SDM) involves a collaborative discussion between the patient and clinician about treatment options, advantages and disadvantages, and helps to identify the optimal treatment based on patient-specific needs and goals.and helps to identify the optimal treatment based on patient-specific needs and goals.
Presenter(s):
Greg Greenberg, M.D.
Credit Available:
CE Credit(s): Yes
Designations: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
Note: Once the live event has passed, please allow two weeks for the recording to be posted. Webinar Description: The treatment of opioid use disorder in rural communities can be challenging because of transportation, connectivity, and other barriers. Telemedicine can help with those barriers as well, but presents additional challenges. This talk will discuss some of the challenges related to the treatment of opioid use disorder in rural settings. We will discuss the benefits and pitfalls that come with the use of telemedicine. We will also discuss the challenges with obtaining urine toxicology screening and why it may not be a significant problem.
SAMHSA: Learn about the federal statutes, regulations, and guidelines that apply to medications for practitioners and opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
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Rick Garcia, MD, Roger Chou, MD

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