How Naltrexone Works To Transform Your Relationship With Alcohol
Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, ScD
Feb 14, 2025
In This Article
In the labyrinth of modern medicine, where treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) often feel like a maze of trial and error, naltrexone emerges as a beacon of hope.
However, this unassuming pill, often overshadowed by more dramatic interventions, has quietly revolutionized the way we approach AUD.
But how does naltrexone work for alcohol dependence? What makes naltrexone so effective, and who stands to benefit from it?
What Is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid antagonists. Originally developed to treat opioid addiction, it has since found a second life as a frontline treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Essentially, naltrexone blocks certain receptors in the brain: think of it as a bouncer at a nightclub, preventing unwanted guests—in this case, the pleasurable effects of alcohol—from entering.
Unlike other medications that might make you feel ill if you drink alcohol, naltrexone operates more subtly. It doesn’t punish you for drinking; instead, it removes the reward. Over time, this can help rewire the brain’s response to alcohol, making it easier to cut back or quit altogether.
How Does Naltrexone Affect The Body?
To understand how naltrexone works for alcohol, we need to take a closer look at the brain. When you drink alcohol, your brain releases a flood of endorphins—those feel-good chemicals that create a sense of euphoria.
For many, this is the hook that keeps them coming back for more. Naltrexone steps in by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors, which are responsible for processing these endorphins.
Imagine you’re at a concert, but someone has turned down the volume on the music. You can still hear it, but the experience isn’t as thrilling. That’s what naltrexone does to alcohol’s effects.
By dampening the pleasure you derive from drinking, naltrexone helps break the cycle of craving and consumption.
Naltrexone For Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Benefits
For those grappling with AUD, naltrexone offers a lifeline. Its benefits are multifaceted: it curbs alcohol cravings, reduces the urge to drink heavily, and helps individuals stick to their goals—whether that’s moderation or complete sobriety.
Unlike some treatments that require abstinence from the start, naltrexone is flexible. It meets you where you are, making it a versatile tool in the fight against AUD.
How It Works
So, how does naltrexone work for alcohol in practical terms? When taken as prescribed, it gradually diminishes the brain’s association between alcohol and pleasure. Over time, this can lead to a significant reduction in drinking.
How Long Should You Take Naltrexone?
The duration of naltrexone treatment varies from person to person. Some may only need it for a few months, while others might benefit from taking naltrexone long-term.
The key is consistency. Naltrexone isn’t a magic pill; it works best when combined with other forms of support, such as therapy or counseling.
How Long Does Naltrexone Take To Work?
Naltrexone’s effects vary by individual. Some notice reduced alcohol cravings within days, while others may take weeks to feel its full impact. Again, consistency is key—taking it daily as prescribed helps it gradually rewire the brain’s response to alcohol, supporting long-term goals of moderation or sobriety.
Who Should Take Naltrexone?
Naltrexone isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a game-changer for many. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who:
- Struggle with frequent alcohol cravings
- Have tried to cut back on their own but haven’t succeeded
- Are committed to making a change, whether that’s moderation or sobriety
That said, naltrexone isn’t recommended for everyone. People with certain health conditions, such as liver disease, or those taking opioid medications should consult their doctor before starting treatment.
When Should You Take Naltrexone?
Timing is everything when it comes to naltrexone. For it to be effective, it needs to be taken consistently, ideally at the same time each day. Some people choose to take it in the morning, while others prefer the evening—it all depends on your routine and when you’re most likely to experience cravings.
What Are The Side Effects Of Naltrexone?
Like any medication, naltrexone comes with potential side effects. Most are mild and temporary, including nausea, headaches, and fatigue. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as liver damage or severe allergic reactions. However, these are uncommon, especially when the medication is taken as directed.
It’s also worth noting that naltrexone can interact with other medications, particularly opioids. If you’re taking any prescription painkillers, be sure to discuss this with your doctor before starting naltrexone.
See If Naltrexone Is Right For You
If you’re considering naltrexone for alcohol use disorder, Oar Health is here to help. Founded by someone who has walked the path of AUD himself, Oar Health is built on a foundation of empathy, understanding, and a commitment to making treatment accessible.
Oar Health provides effective, convenient, and discreet access to naltrexone through its online platform. By offering FDA-approved medication and personalized support, Oar Health empowers individuals to take control of their drinking—whether their goal is moderation or sobriety.
What sets Oar Health apart is its judgment-free approach. AUD is a complex condition, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Oar Health meets you where you are, offering a safe space to explore your options and find the support you need.
From Craving To Clarity
Naltrexone is more than just a medication; it’s a tool for transformation. By targeting the brain’s reward system, it helps break the cycle of craving and consumption, offering a path to recovery for those struggling with alcohol use disorder.
Whether you’re a moderate drinker looking to cut back or someone seeking sobriety, naltrexone can be a powerful ally.
And with platforms like Oar Health, accessing this treatment has never been easier. By combining science, compassion, and convenience, Oar Health is redefining what it means to treat AUD.
If you’re ready to take the first step, naltrexone might just be the oar you need to navigate the waters of recovery.
References
About The Author
Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, ScD, is a physician by education and a writer by choice. He earned an MD degree in 2008 and later completed Harvard Medical School’s lifestyle medicine training in 2012, before obtaining a PhD in holistic health and an ScD in sports nutrition. He’s certified in clinical research by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and in digital media by Yale University. For years, Dr. Ali taught at colleges in the US where he lectured on various biomedical topics and delivered over 2000 hours of live presentations. He is also the author of numerous books from major New York publishers. They can be found on the shelves of 1000s of libraries worldwide. He brings more than 15 years of experience writing remotely and has decades of health-related publications to his credit. Now a digital nomad, he’s currently a medical journalist and copywriter for hire. His online home is HealthcarePropulsion.com.
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