DeBinge opioid transition: When travelling to DeBinge in The Bahamas for OLANI treatment, there is no requirement to complete a separate opioid-free waiting window before arrival. DeBinge uses a medically supervised 4-to-5-day buprenorphine transition. Buprenorphine is introduced to bridge the patient away from full-agonist opioids, stabilised and tapered over the first several days, and the O’Neil Long-Acting Naltrexone Implant is typically inserted around day 4 or 5 while buprenorphine is still being tapered. The planned overlap continues as buprenorphine clears and the implant gradually releases naltrexone. This pathway is clinician-supervised because mistimed naltrexone exposure can precipitate withdrawal.
Based on DeBinge’s clinical experience in The Bahamas since 2018, the implant typically provides its strongest craving and relapse-prevention support on average 9 months, while clinically meaningful opioid-receptor blockade may persist for longer, in some patients up to about 15 months. This longer blockade may continue to reduce opioid effects and overdose risk.
Ongoing recovery: The implant is not a cure. The DeBinge programme includes a full year of professional counselling after implantation to address the behavioural and psychological side of addiction.
Resources for US Families by State combines addiction-treatment information for families in your state with a detailed explanation of the DeBinge treatment program in Nassau, The Bahamas.This UK version provides addiction-treatment resources for British families while explaining the private DeBinge treatment program in Nassau, The Bahamas.
DeBinge provides a specialist addiction-recovery program built around medical assessment, individualized preparation, long-acting naltrexone for appropriate patients, private clinical support and one year of professional counselling.
Families in your state can begin the process remotely and discuss whether travelling to Nassau is appropriate before making any travel arrangements.
UK families can begin the process remotely and discuss whether travelling to Nassau is appropriate before making any travel arrangements.
Local medical and addiction services remain important. Emergency care, withdrawal management, mental-health treatment, overdose prevention, primary care and alternative medication treatments should remain available close to home.
DeBinge Is One Specialist Treatment Pathway — Not a Replacement for Every Local Service
The right approach depends on the substance involved, physical dependence, medical history, previous treatment, mental health, personal preference and recovery environment.
Prepared for medical review by Dr Fergus Law, BSc, MBChB, FRCPsych
Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in substance misuse and addiction psychiatry Review status: Pending clinical approvalAddiction Resources for Families in Your State
Even if your family is considering treatment with DeBinge, local services in your state can be important before and after international treatment.
FindTreatment.gov
Search for substance-use and mental-health treatment providers by city, ZIP code or address.
Find Treatment → ALCOHOL TREATMENTNIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator
NIH guidance designed to help patients and families locate and evaluate evidence-based alcohol treatment.
Find Alcohol Treatment → NALOXONELifesaving Naloxone
Learn what naloxone is, when it should be carried and how it reverses an opioid overdose.
CDC Naloxone Information → FAMILY SAFETYPrepare for an Opioid Emergency
Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, give naloxone, call 911 and help the person until emergency care arrives.
CDC Overdose Emergency Guidance → CRISIS SUPPORT988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 in the United States for suicidal crisis, severe emotional distress or mental-health support.
Open 988 Lifeline → FAMILY QUESTIONSNaloxone Frequently Asked Questions
Official CDC answers about naloxone access, dosing, administration and overdose response.
Read CDC FAQ →Suspected Overdose? Act Immediately
Give naloxone if opioid overdose is possible and naloxone is available. Call 911, try to keep the person breathing, place them on their side and stay with them until emergency care arrives.
Addiction Resources for UK Families
UK residents can use NHS and local-authority drug and alcohol services before, during or after considering private treatment abroad.
Drug Addiction: Getting Help
NHS information about GPs, local drug treatment services, medication and recovery support.
NHS Drug Support → NHS ENGLANDFind Drug Addiction Support
Search for drug addiction services using your town, city or postcode.
Find Local Drug Services → NHS ENGLANDFind Alcohol Addiction Support
Find local alcohol treatment and recovery support.
Find Alcohol Services → ALCOHOL SAFETYAlcohol Use Disorder & Withdrawal
NHS guidance covering dependence, withdrawal symptoms, medical treatment and relapse prevention.
Read NHS Guidance →Call 999 for overdose, unconsciousness, severe breathing problems, seizures or another life-threatening emergency.
What Does DeBinge Offer?
DeBinge provides private addiction treatment in Sandyport, Nassau, The Bahamas.
The treatment model combines medical care with longer-term behavioural and psychological recovery support.
Medical Assessment
A doctor reviews substance use, physical dependence, medications, medical history and previous treatment.
Nursing Support
Clinical support is available during preparation and treatment.
Long-Acting Naltrexone
Sustained-release naltrexone may be considered when an antagonist treatment strategy is clinically appropriate.
One Year of Counselling
Professional counselling continues after the clinical treatment period.
Long-Acting Medication Should Create Time to Build Recovery
The aim is not simply to place an implant. The longer treatment period can be used to work on triggers, relationships, habits, mental health, environment and long-term relapse prevention.
Who May Be Suitable for the DeBinge Program?
Opioid Use Disorder
Naltrexone can support prevention of return to opioid use after appropriate opioid withdrawal and clinical preparation.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone may reduce heavy drinking, alcohol reward and craving in appropriately selected patients.
A consultation may be particularly useful for somebody who:
Naltrexone does not have the same evidence for every substance-use disorder. There is currently no FDA-approved medication specifically for cocaine or methamphetamine use disorder. Behavioral treatment remains central for stimulant use disorder.
From Initial Consultation to Recovery at Home
Free Initial Consultation
The patient or family discusses the current addiction, previous treatment and objectives before travel is arranged.
Medical Assessment
The clinical team reviews current substances, medication, physical dependence, medical history and relevant risks.
Individual Preparation
Preparation varies according to the substance involved and the person’s clinical situation.
Confirm Naltrexone Readiness
Opioid-dependent patients must complete appropriate opioid-free preparation before naltrexone because starting the medication too early can trigger severe precipitated withdrawal.
Treatment in Nassau
When the patient is clinically suitable, treatment and implant placement take place in The Bahamas.
Return Home
Patients can continue their recovery outside a long-term residential facility.
One Year of Professional Counselling
Continuing counselling focuses on behaviour, triggers, relationships, routines and long-term recovery.
Potential Benefits of the DeBinge Treatment Model
Fewer Daily Medication Decisions
Long-acting medication avoids the need to decide whether to take a naltrexone tablet every day.
Temporary Change of Environment
Treatment in Nassau temporarily creates distance from some familiar triggers and substance-use environments.
Private Clinical Care
The program provides individualized medical and nursing support.
Long-Term Counselling
Recovery support continues after the procedure rather than ending when the patient leaves Nassau.
Opioid Receptor Blockade
While adequate naltrexone levels remain active, opioid effects can be substantially blocked.
Alcohol Treatment Support
Naltrexone is also an established treatment option for alcohol use disorder.
Long-acting naltrexone cannot guarantee permanent abstinence, eliminate every craving or make opioid overdose impossible. Recovery still requires appropriate medical care, psychological treatment and changes in behaviour and environment.
What Families Should Know About Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist.
It is not an opioid and does not cause opioid intoxication.
Blocks Opioid Receptors
Naltrexone can help prevent return to opioid use after successful opioid withdrawal and appropriate preparation.
Can Reduce Alcohol Reward
Naltrexone can reduce heavy drinking and craving in some people with alcohol use disorder.
How Long Can Long-Acting Treatment Last?
DeBinge describes its long-acting naltrexone approach as providing prolonged medication exposure, often approximately Based on DeBinge’s clinical experience in The Bahamas since 2018, the implant typically provides its strongest craving and relapse-prevention support on average 9 months, while clinically meaningful opioid-receptor blockade may persist for longer, in some patients up to about 15 months. This longer blockade may continue to reduce opioid effects and overdose risk..
Individual medication exposure and clinical effect can vary. A precise duration should not be guaranteed before medical assessment.
Naltrexone is FDA-approved in oral and extended-release injectable formulations for relevant indications. Naltrexone implants are not FDA-approved U.S. formulations. DeBinge treatment takes place in The Bahamas.
Methadone, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone
Families considering naltrexone for opioid use disorder should also understand the other established medication options.
Methadone
Reduces withdrawal and craving and has strong evidence for treatment retention and mortality reduction.
Buprenorphine
Reduces withdrawal and craving and has strong evidence for reducing opioid-related mortality.
Naltrexone
Blocks opioid receptors after appropriate opioid withdrawal.
One Medication Is Not Automatically Best for Every Patient
Medication choice should consider physical dependence, overdose risk, previous treatment, medical history, patient preference and ability to complete opioid-free preparation.
Families Should Know That Alcohol Addiction Can Also Be Treated With Medication
Naltrexone
Can reduce heavy drinking, reward and craving in some patients.
Acamprosate
May help maintain abstinence following alcohol withdrawal.
Disulfiram
Produces an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed and may suit selected patients.
A person with significant physical alcohol dependence should not abruptly stop drinking simply to prepare for travel without appropriate medical advice. Severe alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, hallucinations and delirium.
What Families Can Do Before Treatment
Identify the Main Substance
Alcohol, opioids and stimulants require different treatment approaches.
Understand Withdrawal
Physical dependence can determine what must happen before travel.
Compare Medication Options
Understand the available evidence-based treatments rather than focusing on one medication alone.
Review Mental Health
Depression, anxiety, trauma or other psychiatric conditions may need treatment alongside addiction care.
Plan the Return Home
Decide what will change in the patient’s environment after treatment.
Prepare for Opioid Emergencies
If opioid exposure is possible, keep naloxone available and know how to respond to overdose.
Travelling From Your State to Nassau
Travelling From the UK to Nassau
The first stage should happen before purchasing flights.
Discuss the addiction and treatment history first.
Review substances, medications, physical dependence and health.
Determine what must happen safely before naltrexone treatment.
Travel when the patient is medically appropriate to do so.
Clinical treatment occurs in The Bahamas.
Counselling and recovery work continue after the patient returns.
International travel should never delay emergency care for overdose, severe withdrawal, acute psychosis, suicidal crisis or another unstable medical condition.
What Does DeBinge Treatment Cost?
DeBinge currently describes typical treatment pricing as approximately:
Exact pricing should be confirmed during consultation.
Individual costs may vary according to clinical needs, preparation and accommodation arrangements.
Ask What Your Quote Includes
Do not assume that U.S. private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid will cover an international naltrexone implant program.
Do not assume NHS funding or UK private health insurance will cover a private international naltrexone implant program.
Know How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose
Naltrexone and naloxone have very different purposes.
Naltrexone is used as part of addiction treatment. Naloxone is used to reverse an opioid overdose.
Administer naloxone if available when opioid overdose is suspected.
Get emergency medical help.
Follow emergency-service instructions.
This can help reduce choking risk.
Remain until emergency medical help arrives.
Prepare for an Opioid Emergency
Read the official U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instructions for recognizing and responding to a suspected overdose.
Open CDC Overdose Response Guidance →How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray
Naltrexone does not replace naloxone. Trying to overpower naltrexone’s opioid blockade by taking large opioid doses can cause fatal overdose. Overdose vulnerability may also rise after blockade decreases because opioid tolerance may be lower.
What Should Your Family Do Next?
This tool is educational. It does not diagnose addiction or prescribe a medication. It identifies areas that deserve professional attention.
20 Questions • About 5 Minutes
Answer based on the person’s current situation.
Immediate Safety Comes First
Call 911 for an immediate medical emergency. Call or text 988 for suicidal or severe mental-health crisis.
Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Want to Discuss Whether DeBinge May Be Appropriate?
A consultation can review the substance involved, physical dependence, previous treatment, medications and available treatment options.
Book a Free Consultation →Questions From Families in Your State
Questions From UK Families
Where is DeBinge located?
DeBinge treatment takes place in Sandyport, Nassau, The Bahamas.
Can assessment start before travelling?
Yes. The initial discussion and treatment planning should begin before international travel is arranged.
Who is naltrexone mainly used for?
Naltrexone has established roles in opioid use disorder following appropriate opioid withdrawal and in alcohol use disorder.
Does naltrexone remove all cravings?
No. Medication may reduce important biological drivers, but psychological and environmental triggers can remain.
Can naltrexone guarantee that opioid overdose cannot happen?
No. Trying to overcome opioid blockade can cause fatal overdose, and reduced opioid tolerance may create additional risk when blockade decreases.
Should families still have naloxone?
Yes, when meaningful opioid-overdose risk exists. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdose.
Is naloxone the same as naltrexone?
No. Naloxone is an emergency overdose-reversal medication. Naltrexone is used as longer-term addiction treatment.
Is the naltrexone implant FDA-approved?
Naltrexone implants are not FDA-approved formulations in the United States. FDA-approved naltrexone formulations include oral and extended-release injectable medication.
What other medications treat opioid use disorder?
Methadone and buprenorphine are established medications with strong evidence for treatment retention and reduction in mortality.
What medications are available for alcohol use disorder?
U.S. FDA-approved options include naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram.
Does naltrexone treat cocaine or methamphetamine addiction?
Naltrexone is not an FDA-approved standalone treatment for stimulant use disorder. Behavioral treatment remains central.
Can someone travel while going through severe withdrawal?
Significant or medically unstable withdrawal should be assessed and treated before international travel.
How long does the patient stay in Nassau?
Length of stay depends on medical preparation and the individual treatment plan and should be confirmed before travel.
Does the DeBinge program include counselling?
The current treatment model includes one year of professional counselling.
What does the program cost?
Typical pricing is approximately $21,000–$23,000 USD. Confirm the current individual quotation during consultation.
Will health insurance pay for treatment?
Do not assume insurance coverage for a private international implant program. Verify benefits before making a financial commitment.
What if the person does not want help?
Families can still obtain advice about safety, communication and boundaries. Individual treatment normally requires appropriate patient participation and consent.
Should we wait until the addiction becomes worse?
No. Assessment can begin before addiction causes further medical, financial, occupational or family harm.
What should we do if an opioid overdose happens?
Give naloxone if available, call 911, support breathing, place the person on their side and stay with them until emergency services arrive.
Give naloxone if available, call 999, support breathing, place the person on their side and stay with them until emergency services arrive.
What is the first step with DeBinge?
Begin with a consultation and provide accurate information about substances, medications, medical history and previous treatment.
Start With a Clinical Discussion Before Making a Treatment Decision
A free consultation can help determine whether long-acting naltrexone should be considered, what medical preparation may be necessary and which alternative treatment options should also be discussed.
Book a Free Consultation →Official Treatment & Safety Resources
CDC — What to Do if Someone Is Overdosing
Official overdose-response instructions.
Read CDC Guidance →CDC — Lifesaving Naloxone
Guidance on obtaining, carrying and administering naloxone.
Read Naloxone Guidance →NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator
Evidence-based alcohol-treatment guidance from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Open Alcohol Treatment Navigator →SAMHSA TIP 63 — Naltrexone Chapter
Clinical guidance concerning naltrexone treatment, opioid-free preparation and overdose risk.
Read Clinical Guidance →Prepared for medical review by Dr Fergus Law, BSc, MBChB, FRCPsych
Review status: Pending clinical approval Educational information only. This page does not replace emergency care or individualized medical treatment.