Naltrexone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating both Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It functions as an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and reduces cravings for both. Accessing this medication requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. Understanding the specific qualifications of prescribers and knowing where to search provides a clear pathway to securing this medication-assisted treatment.
Identifying Qualified Prescribers
The prescribing authority for Naltrexone is broader than for many other medications used in addiction treatment. Any healthcare professional who is licensed to write prescriptions in their state can legally prescribe Naltrexone, including physicians (MDs and DOs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Physician Assistants (PAs). This general authority applies to both the oral tablet form, typically taken daily, and the extended-release injectable form, which is administered once a month.
Unlike the medication buprenorphine, Naltrexone never required a special federal waiver. This distinction means that general practitioners are well within their scope to prescribe it, especially for Alcohol Use Disorder. For Opioid Use Disorder, finding a provider with specialized training in addiction medicine may offer a more comprehensive approach to care. These specialists are more comfortable managing the complex induction process, which requires the patient to be completely opioid-free before starting Naltrexone treatment.
Official Federal and State Locators
A direct starting point for locating a qualified provider is utilizing resources maintained by federal health agencies. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, an online tool accessible at FindTreatment.gov. This resource allows individuals to search a nationwide database of facilities and programs that offer substance use and mental health services, including those that prescribe Naltrexone.
For immediate assistance, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is a confidential, free service providing referrals to treatment facilities across the United States. Available 24 hours a day, the helpline can offer treatment referrals and information in both English and Spanish. Many state health departments also maintain their own directories or hotlines, which can offer more localized lists of addiction treatment clinics and prescribing physicians.
Utilizing Local Healthcare Referrals
A practical strategy involves leveraging existing connections within the local healthcare system. The Primary Care Physician (PCP) is often the most accessible starting point, as they can screen for substance use disorders and initiate a referral to a specialist. Even if a PCP is not comfortable prescribing Naltrexone, they can direct a patient to an in-network psychiatrist or an addiction medicine specialist.
Patients with health insurance should check their online directory for specialties like “Addiction Medicine,” “Behavioral Health,” or “Psychiatry” to find prescribers who accept their plan. Local hospital systems frequently house behavioral health departments or pain management clinics that specialize in medication-assisted treatment. Contacting these large medical centers directly can yield a list of affiliated providers who are actively accepting new patients.
Telehealth and Online Prescribing Services
Telehealth platforms have significantly expanded access to Naltrexone prescribers, offering convenience and reducing geographical barriers to care. Many dedicated online addiction treatment services and general telehealth companies now offer virtual consultations with licensed providers who can prescribe the medication. For the oral formulation of Naltrexone, the entire process—from initial consultation to prescription—can often be completed online.
It is necessary to verify that the virtual prescriber is licensed in the state where the patient is physically located during the consultation, as state medical board regulations govern prescribing across state lines. The extended-release injectable form of Naltrexone, known as Vivitrol, requires an in-person, deep intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. Telehealth providers typically coordinate with a local clinic, specialty pharmacy, or home health nurse to ensure the safe and proper administration of the monthly injection.
Preparing for Initial Consultation
Once a potential prescriber is identified, patients should take several steps to ensure a productive first appointment. First, confirm the provider is accepting new patients and accepts the patient’s specific insurance or payment method. This confirmation prevents administrative complications.
Patients should arrive prepared with a detailed medical history and a complete list of all current medications. For patients seeking Naltrexone for OUD, they must confirm they have been opioid-free for a minimum of 7 to 10 days to prevent precipitated withdrawal. The physician will likely order baseline liver function tests (LFTs), as Naltrexone is metabolized by the liver. Patients should also prepare questions regarding the provider’s treatment philosophy and the expected frequency of follow-up appointments.