Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder: How It Works and What To Expect
What if cutting back on alcohol wasn’t just about willpower?
Naltrexone takes a different approach by targeting the brain’s reward system, helping reduce the “feel-good” effects that can reinforce drinking. But how exactly does it work, and what should you know before considering it?
Understanding how naltrexone works and its possible limitations is vital. In this guide, we’ll break down how naltrexone works for alcohol use, precautions to be aware of, and why it may be a valuable part of a broader treatment plan.
Table of Contents
- How Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol Use Disorder?
- 5 Precautions Concerning Naltrexone Use for Alcohol Addiction Recovery
- Frequently Asked Questions About Naltrexone in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder
- Robin Recovery Offers Medication as Part of a Holistic Approach to Recovery
How Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Naltrexone is a prescription medication designed to help people overcome alcohol use disorder (AUD) or opioid use disorder.
In alcohol use disorder, naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain by:
- Blocking endorphins, the feel-good chemicals released in the brain
- Removing the reward by acting as a blocker to stop endorphins from activating the brain's reward pathway
- Dulling the urge to drink by making drinking feel less satisfying and easier to stop or cut back on over time
If you or a loved one is in need of compassionate alcohol addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio, from professionals interested in seeing you succeed in your recovery, Robin Recovery is here to help. Our comprehensive alcohol addiction program focuses on the individual and may include medication management to support recovery when needed. Contact our admissions team for more information.
How Fast Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol?
Naltrexone is available as a daily pill or monthly injection, both of which begin working within one to two hours to start blocking the opioid receptors. It can take longer to notice changes in cravings or behaviors.
Many individuals begin noticing a change in craving intensity within a week, while it may take a few weeks or even months for others.
When used to treat AUD, it is recommended that it be taken for at least six months to a year, but the specific time frame is different for all individuals. Naltrexone treatment should also be combined with other supports, such as counseling and lifestyle changes, for the best results.
How Well Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol?
Research has found that, for a significant number of people, naltrexone is effective in reducing alcohol cravings.
Benefits of naltrexone include:
- Fewer alcohol-related thoughts
- Less interest in drinking heavily or daily
- Reduced overall appeal
- More rapid decrease in cravings
- Reduced reward sensitivity
- Reduced risk of relapse
5 Precautions Concerning Naltrexone Use for Alcohol Addiction Recovery
#1: Be Aware of Possible Side Effects and Contraindications
While naltrexone is safe for the majority of people, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the possible side effects, which may include:
- Sleepiness or trouble sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Decreased appetite
- Painful joints or muscle cramps
- Toothache
- Common cold symptoms
- Severe allergic reactions
- Injection site reactions, such as swelling, tissue death, and lumps
- Liver damage or hepatitis
- Depressed mood
- Pneumonia
Naltrexone is also contraindicated under the following conditions:
- If you’re actively using opioids
- If you haven’t been opioid free for at least 10 days
- If you have acute liver disease
- If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients
- If you anticipate needing opioid pain medications
#2: Don’t Rely Only on Naltrexone
While naltrexone is a useful tool in helping manage alcohol cravings, it alone is not a cure for AUD. A holistic approach to recovery is vital for achieving full sobriety.
Naltrexone should be paired with other alcohol treatment supports, such as:
- Inpatient or outpatient programs
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Peer support groups
- Lifestyle changes
- Counseling
- Family therapy
- Consistent schedules
- Nutritious meals
- Journaling
- Regular exercise
- Time in nature
- Fitness classes
- Meditation
#3: Don’t Take Until After Alcohol Detox
Taking naltrexone without abstaining from alcohol first is ill-advised. The FDA recommends waiting to begin naltrexone after at least three days of detoxing from alcohol, with seven days being optimal.
Beginning naltrexone without waiting can worsen withdrawal symptoms. The body is still becoming used to alcohol being absent. The symptoms of withdrawal can easily be confused with side effects of the medication without the waiting period. This increases the chances of individuals stopping medication before it can be effective.
#4: Adjust Timeline for Recent Opioid Use
Just as you should be alcohol-free for several days before starting naltrexone, it is just as important to remain opioid-free as well.
Opioids must have time to leave your system before taking naltrexone, or you will trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. Recommended timeframes for taking naltrexone are seven to ten days after last use of short-acting opioids and 10 to 14 days after last use of long-acting opioids.
#5: Be Wary of Subsequent Opioid Vulnerability
Naltrexone has the potential to lower the body’s tolerance to opioids by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors, making your body lose its tolerance to the drug. Without tolerance, a dose of opioids an individual may have handled in the past can be highly toxic and result in:
- Respiratory arrest
- Coma
- Death
Frequently Asked Questions About Naltrexone in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder
Is Naltrexone Addictive?
No. Since the reward pathways of the brain aren’t activated and the drug doesn’t cause feelings of euphoria or pleasure, naltrexone is not addictive.
What Will Happen if You Drink Alcohol While Taking Naltrexone?
If you drink alcohol while taking naltrexone, you may experience less of the pleasurable effects or “reward” from drinking. However, naltrexone does not prevent intoxication or eliminate alcohol’s risks, so it’s still important to drink cautiously and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
When Should I Stop Taking Naltrexone?
There are no stringent guidelines for how long an individual should take naltrexone. Medical professionals work with patients to determine a timeline based on:
- AUD severity
- Risk of relapse
- Tolerance of side effects
- Personal goals
Robin Recovery Offers Medication as Part of a Holistic Approach to Recovery
At Robin Recovery, we care about seeing you succeed in your recovery journey. Our treatment programs are designed to meet you where you are and include:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient program
- Counseling and therapy
- Detox
- Psychotherapy
- Medication management
- Peer support groups
- Other evidence-based therapies
Alcohol addiction is complex, and our team of professionals is committed to supporting you as you travel the road to recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder, contact the team at Robin Recovery today.