Breaking the Pleasure Loop: How Naltrexone Works for Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Struggling with alcohol cravings? Tired of trying to rely on willpower alone? 

Quitting alcohol isn’t just about white-knuckling it through each day; it’s about using the right tools, and sometimes that means medication. 

Whether your goal is cutting back or you’re ready to quit drinking for good, naltrexone offers a science-backed way to take control, reduce heavy drinking days, and support long-term change.

Here, you’ll discover the benefits and potential risks of naltrexone, learn the answers to common questions, and find out where to find the help you need for lasting recovery.

Table of Contents

• What Is Naltrexone? 
• How Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol? 
• Benefits and Potential Risks of Naltrexone for Alcohol Misuse
• Naltrexone Safety Considerations
• Common Questions About Naltrexone for Alcohol Cravings
• Dove Recovery: Compassionate, Professional Treatment for Alcohol Recovery in Columbus, OH

The FDA-approved medication, naltrexone, is used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). An opioid antagonist, naltrexone, works by blocking the sedative and euphoric effects of alcohol in the brain and is available in two main forms: 

• Daily oral tablets (ReVia and Depade) 
• A monthly, long-acting intramuscular injection

How Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol? 

Naltrexone helps treat AUD by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. When alcohol is consumed, the naltrexone makes drinking less enjoyable by blocking the euphoria or "buzz." Cravings are reduced, leading to a decrease in heavy drinking.

If you’re ready to embark on the path to healing from alcohol addiction, Dove Recovery is here to help.

Our seasoned, supportive staff offers customized treatment plans that cater to each client’s needs, using evidence-based approaches like:

• Dual diagnosis therapy
• Psychotherapy sessions
• Relapse prevention techniques

Contact us today to learn more. 

What Are the Benefits of Naltrexone for Alcohol?

Benefits of naltrexone for AUD include: 

• Reduces cravings
• Decreases pleasure from drinking
• Supports moderation and abstinence
• Offers flexible administration
• Has a low toxicity-risk
• No potential for addiction

Naltrexone can be dosed using the Sinclair Method, where it’s taken only on days when cravings are strong or before possible drinking situations to help break the habit over time.

What Are the Negative Effects of Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is considered safe and is associated with only a few potential side effects that include:

• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Muscle stiffness
• Headaches
• Sleep disruptions (including insomnia and hypersomnia)
• Anxiety
• Dizziness 

Naltrexone is not recommended for individuals who:

• Currently have liver problems
• Use illegal drugs
• Have hemophilia or other bleeding problems
• Have kidney problems
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Are allergic to naltrexone 

Is Naltrexone Better Than Other Alcohol Use Disorder Medications?

Whether naltrexone is a better fit than other alcohol use disorder medications depends on your:

• Medical history
• Treatment goals
• Drinking pattern

While there isn’t one medication that’s best for everyone, naltrexone is generally considered a first-line option.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Naltrexone Therapy?

The ideal patient for naltrexone therapy for alcohol has moderate-to-severe alcohol dependence. This includes individuals who:

• Drink on more than 50% of days
• Consume more than five drinks a day
• Suffer from alcohol-related problems
• Has failed in past attempts to quit drinking, but is highly motivated to be abstinent

Is It Dangerous To Drink Alcohol While Taking Naltrexone?

There does not appear to be a significant danger associated with drinking alcohol and taking naltrexone. Individuals choosing to both drink alcohol and use naltrexone:

• May experience less of an urge to drink more alcohol
• May reduce their alcohol intake
• Will still experience the functional impairments associated with alcohol use, such as a decreased response time, loss of motor coordination, slowed rate of thinking, etc., when alcohol is consumed

Is Taking Naltrexone More Harmful to Your Liver Than Drinking Alcohol?

No. In general, taking naltrexone isn’t worse for your liver than drinking alcohol. This is especially true when it comes to chronic heavy drinking, where alcohol poses a far more common and greater risk of liver damage. 

In rare cases, naltrexone can cause a mild and usually reversible elevation in liver enzymes, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver issues. The drug is also typically safe for those with stable liver disease, but requires consistent monitoring.

How Fast Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol? 

Naltrexone generally begins to work within one to two hours of taking an oral dose to block the euphoric, "tipsy" effects of alcohol. For maximum effectiveness in reducing cravings and consumption, it is often recommended to take the medication one hour before drinking.

Can Naltrexone Be Used Alongside Therapy?

Yes, in fact, it’s strongly recommended. When combined with counseling, behavioral therapy, and/or support groups, naltrexone often produces better outcomes than simply taking the medication alone.

What Is the Success Rate of Naltrexone Alcohol Therapy? 

One study revealed that treatment with naltrexone led to nearly a 15% higher rate of favorable clinical outcomes compared to placebo (73.7% vs. 58.2%). It is particularly beneficial when taken via the Sinclair Method or used alongside therapy. 

Take the first step towards sobriety with Dove Recovery’s comprehensive addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio. 

Here you’ll find empathetic professionals who are focused on seeing you succeed in your recovery. Our comprehensive, compassionate programs include: 

• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Outpatient programs (OP)
• Detox programs
• Psychotherapy
• Medication management
• Peer support groups
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• And more

Reach out to our team today. You’ll be glad you did.

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