Nalmefene injection therapy is a treatment for opioid (heroin) addiction and alcohol addiction. Opioid addiction is a type of addiction that develops as a result of the abuse of opioid-containing substances. Such substances include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, opioid painkillers and heroin. Nalmefene injection therapy is a treatment method applied when deemed necessary by the doctor during the treatment process of patients under treatment for alcohol addiction or opioid addiction.
Nalmefene injection therapy is usually administered as 3 monthly injections. These injections should be administered by a health professional in hospital after the doctor has prescribed the medication. Nalmefene injections help to increase the patient's compliance with the treatment and to stay away from alcohol and substances.
Who Can Receive Nalmefene Injection Therapy?
Nalmefene injection therapy is generally applicable for the following groups:
Heroin Addiction: Nalmefene injection therapy is considered a treatment option for individuals with opioid addiction.
Alcohol Addiction: Nalmefene injection therapy is used as an adjunctive treatment option in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The aim of the treatment is to prolong the duration of sobriety and to help reduce the individual's craving for alcohol.
Nalmefene injection therapy should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional and with a prescription.
How Does Nalmefene Injection Therapy Work?
Nalmefene injection therapy is an effective treatment method in the fight against addiction, especially opioid (heroin) addiction or alcohol addiction. The role of Nalmefene injection therapy in addiction treatment is as follows:
- It primarily binds to addiction receptors and reduces the individual's desire to use drugs and alcohol.
- Reduces the pleasurable effects of the substances used by patients when they use alcohol or heroin.
- It increases patients' treatment compliance, making it easier for them to continue treatment regularly.
- It prolongs the duration of abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
- Reduces the risk of relapse to alcohol and substance use after treatment.
How is Nalmefene Injection Therapy Administered?
Nalmefene injection therapy is a treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional and must be administered correctly. Here is a general description of how Nalmefene injection therapy is administered:
Assessment and Prescription: If nalmefene injection therapy is being considered, the individual's condition is first assessed by a healthcare professional. Other factors such as history of addiction, other accompanying psychiatric conditions and general health status are evaluated together to formulate an individualized treatment plan. If injection therapy is deemed appropriate according to the clinical picture of the patient, Nalmefene injection is prescribed.
Place and Frequency of Application: Injection therapy is usually administered by a healthcare professional in a health center or clinic. Following the patient's application, a toxicological screening of urine is performed. If alcohol and substances are not found in the urine, injections are administered. Injections are given at 3-month intervals.
Professional Supervision: The Nalmefene injection is administered by a healthcare professional and the treatment process is continuously monitored. The healthcare professional makes sure that the treatment is administered effectively and takes appropriate action if any problems or side effects occur.
Collaboration in Treatment: The person starting treatment should cooperate with the health professional. It is very important to stick to the medication prescription and the treatment process. Individual support and counseling can also play an important role in addiction treatment.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Nalmefene injection treatment is planned according to the level of addiction and the unique needs of the individual. Every individual is different and the treatment plan should be personalized. The aim of addiction treatment is to help the patient to stay away from alcohol and substances, to fight cravings and to regain social functioning. Nalmefene needle therapy can be applied together with medication, psychotherapy, Deep TMU and other treatment methods used in addiction treatment.
How Long Does Nalmefene Needle Treatment Last?
The duration of treatment with nalmefene injections can vary depending on the person's addiction, their response to treatment and the goals of the treatment. Every individual is different and therefore the duration of treatment is individualized. The duration of treatment is also determined and regularly reviewed by the healthcare professional. The duration of treatment can vary, but is planned for at least 1 year (4 injections).
Addiction treatment usually involves a long-term treatment process. The aim of addiction treatment is to ensure that the patient stays away from alcohol and substances, can fight cravings and regain social functionality. Nalmefene injection therapy can be used in conjunction with medication, psychotherapy, deep TMU and other treatment methods used in addiction treatment.
The duration of treatment may vary depending on how long the person has been suffering from addiction, the severity of the addiction, other factors related to the addiction and the treatment goals. During treatment, healthcare professionals regularly monitor the person to assess that the treatment is effective and that the person is on the road to recovery.
What are the Side Effects of Nalmefene Injection?
The use of nalmefene injection may cause some side effects. These side effects may differ from person to person and may change during treatment. Some of the common side effects associated with the use of nalmefene injections include
- Tenderness at the injection site,
- Headache
- Stomach upset
- Appetite changes,
- Insomnia or sleepiness,
- Irritability or anxiety,
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Skin reactions,
- Dizziness
