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Addiction Treatment
& Psychology Services

We can now offer Heroin and Methadone blocking implants, for both opiate and alcohol dependency. Heroin and Methadone blocking implants are designed to block the effect of opiates (heroin, methadone and morphine) and reduce cravings for opiates, alcohol and other drugs. Depending on the implant design they appear to give effective blood levels for between twelve and forty weeks on average. Heroin and Methadone blocking implants can be inserted after detoxification. The implants are inserted through a 1 cm incision in the lower abdomen. The Heroin and Methadone blocking implants consist of 1 small pellet in the case of a three month implant and 20 small pellets in the case of 10 month implant and are inserted 3-4mm under the skin. If further implants are needed, we recommend that the second one be inserted some time prior to the initial one wears out. Research to date indicates significant individual differences for the level and length of effective blocking opiates and reduction in craving. While muscle mass may be a factor in this variability other factors including psychological, factors may contribute. Due to these variability's, no guarantees are implied or given with regard to the effectiveness of the implants for any individual. For information on this medication and its effectiveness based on the research you can refer to the book "The Use of Naltrexone in the Treatment of Opiate Dependence".

Makes relapse almost impossible while the implant is active.Makes it impossible to 'forget' to take Heroin and Methadone blocking tablets.Probably reduces craving even more than Heroin and Methadone blocking tablets because there is no craving for what you can't have.

Involves (minor) surgery and a small scar with temporary tenderness and bruising.Occasional local infection or inflammation of implant site, usually responding to antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.Initially more expensive than Heroin and Methadone blocking tablets.Risk of turning to non-opiate drugs - including alcohol - as a substitute. (Applies almost as much to Heroin and Methadone blocking tablets)Variation in level and length of protection due to individual differences.

It must be emphasised that the need for aftercare counselling to allow thorough social integration is not reduced when implants replace Heroin and Methadone blocking tablets. Aftercare counselling is essential to ensure that healthy and appropriate coping behaviours are learnt, rather than substituting other drugs for heroin and methadone.

These implants have not been produced by a major drug company and should still be regarded as experimental. Like most new drugs or preparations they do not have a product license. However, they appear to do what is claimed for them and the medication itself is a very safe drug. The implants contain nothing, which is known to have significant toxic effects. They are particularly useful for patients who have nobody to supervise their Heroin and Methadone blocking tablets or who think they will be tempted to cheat. As with Heroin and Methadone blocking tablets, patients tend to test out the effectiveness of the heroin-blocking effect. On a few occasions patients have claimed to have overcome the blockade. Attempts to do so with large amounts of opiates are obviously dangerous, especially if the effect of an implant has almost worn off.

Aftercare counselling is essential to ensure that healthy and appropriate coping behaviours are learnt, rather than substituting other drugs for heroin and methadone.