Naltrexone is a prescription medication that blocks the efficacy of opioids. Typically, people use naltrexone to combat opioid use disorder (OUD). But some people use naltrexone to address alcohol use disorder (AUD).
In 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved naltrexone as a treatment for alcohol dependence.[3]
The exact way in which Naltrexone works to decrease cravings for alcohol is not clear. It is believed that, as an opioid antagonist, it blocks opioid receptors which are associated with cravings and reward centers in the brain. Perhaps this is the way in which it decreases cravings for alcohol.
Naltrexone mutes your ability to feel pleasure from alcohol. When it’s working, you’ll feel less inclined to drink and have fewer cravings to drink, and you’ll stop drinking more easily.[2]
No, it does not.
Historically, several of the medications that were used to treat alcohol use disorder - specifically a medication called Disulfiram - worked by making the person feel very ill and sick if they drank alcohol while taking the medication. Therefore, some people may get confused and worry that Naltrexone will likewise make them feel sick.
However, this is not true. This is not the way in which Naltrexone works. In fact, studies suggest that Naltrexone works better than older medications like Disulfiram to treat alcohol use disorder, because instead of simply disincentivizing people from drinking by making them feel ill, it instead works more deeply to alter a person’s brain chemistry and their desire to drink. These days, Naltrexone is considered a more effective treatment for AUD than older medications like Disulfiram, which are rarely prescribed.
Yes, you can. Naltrexone does not dull the effects of alcohol on patients if they do drink on it. People can still feel the impact of alcohol while taking naltrexone.[5]
Anecdotally, some people say that drinking while on naltrexone don't feel a rush of pleasure or the other pleasurable effects of drinking the way they would without the medication, and this may be true to a certain extent.[2] However, this is not the primary way that Naltrexone works. It does not simply make you feel “not drunk” when drinking alcohol. Primarily it works by decreasing your desire to drink overall. If you drink on Naltrexone, particularly if you drink heavily, you will still “get drunk”.
Some people say that the effects of alcohol on Naltrexone are slightly blunted. However, this is not true for everybody. If you drink on Naltrexone, you should still expect to experience the intoxicating effects of alcohol, such as dizziness/lightheadedness, euphoria, impaired inhibitions, slurred speech, impaired coordination, etc.
Naltrexone makes alcohol less rewarding and lessens cravings over time. Naltrexone has been proven to reduce the number of days people with AUD drink alcohol. And it could help to reinforce abstinence in people who quit drinking.[3]
Some people are hesitant to use Naltrexone because they are under the misconception that it is dangerous to drink while on it, and they worry they will cause damage to their help if they take the medication and then “mess up” and drink alcohol anyway.
THIS IS NOT THE CASE AT ALL! In general, it is safe to drink while on Naltrexone. The goal is not to immediately become abstinent, but rather to eventually decrease the amount you are drinking over time, and potentially even stop altogether if that is your goal.
Treatment with naltrexone for AUD is of course most successful if it's part of a treatment program that includes the following components:[4]
Most people use naltrexone for three or four months, but some need even longer. It can be safe to take Naltrexone for years to prevent relapse to alcohol use in certain individuals. [5]
It's incredibly difficult to quit drinking. Alcohol is ubiquitous in our society. If you've tried to quit drinking on your own and can't, naltrexone can help.
Here are the facts about drinking while on Naltrexone:
If you think naltrexone may be right for you, talk with your doctor. You'll need a prescription to get started.
Our science-backed approach boasts 95% of patients reporting no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. We can help you achieve easier days and a happier future.
Get Startedor book an enrollment call
