What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medicine that serves as an opioid receptor antagonist. It is used primarily in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. Naltrexone blocks certain receptors in the part of the brain that triggers dopamine release and reinforces the compulsive addiction feedback loop. When these areas of the brain are blocked, the craving for alcohol and opiates is eliminated or significantly reduced.  And if alcohol is consumed, the pleasure is very limited and the uncontrollable cascade of relapse is much less likely. If opiates are used, they will have no euphoric/pleasurable effect.