Final answer:
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is used as an adjuvent treatment to reduce opioid cravings and support abstinence due to its properties as a long-acting narcotic antagonist that is effective in maintaining chronic therapy. Unlike methadone, which is also used in opioid addiction treatment, naltrexone minimizes the effects of opiate use and supports drug-free recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce stress-related opioid cravings and increase abstinence as an adjuvent treatment, Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is an effective option. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist like naloxone, but it has the advantages of being well absorbed orally and having a long-acting nature, requiring only a dose of 50 to 100 mg. It is particularly beneficial in narcotic treatment programs that aim to keep individuals on chronic therapy with a narcotic antagonist. Taking naltrexone will minimize the effects of subsequent opiate injections, making it a favored choice for those recovering from narcotic dependence who have the incentive to remain drug-free.
It is important to note that other substances like methadone are used in the treatment of heroin addiction. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is less euphorigenic than heroin and is used in methadone clinics to manage withdrawal symptoms without the addictive properties of heroin. However, for the specific purpose of adjuvent therapy to reduce cravings and support abstinence, naltrexone is the preferred choice among the options given.