Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication that helps reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. Available as a daily pill or monthly injection (Vivitrol), it is non-addictive and plays a vital role in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This article covers its uses, benefits, safety guidelines, and potential side effects.
If you are trying to stay sober and are experiencing cravings for drugs or alcohol, you might have considered taking a medication to help. Or maybe your doctor or treatment program has suggested medication. One common medication designed to deal with cravings for alcohol or opioids is called Naltrexone.
Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids include drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine, and prescription pain medications such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, and Norco. Opioid addiction rewires the brain. Because of this rewiring, substance use treatment alone is often not sufficient to address opioid addiction and medication is frequently also required. This combination of medication and treatment is called Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT. MAT is considered the “standard of care” for opioid use disorder, meaning medical providers consider it to be the best approach to treatment, according to the CDC’s opioid use disorder treatment guidelines. Some patients also find medication helpful to deal with cravings for alcohol.
What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist — a medication that blocks opioid receptors in the brain. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of both alcohol and opioid use disorder, according to SAMHSA. It is taken in pill form. Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable version of this drug. Naltrexone and Vivitrol are not addictive and there are no withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them.
How Does Naltrexone Work?
Naltrexone helps reduce cravings for opioids and alcohol by binding to and blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It also blocks the “high” and sedating effects of opioids. Research shows it is most effective when used in combination with substance use treatment, and its applications continue to expand beyond opioid addiction, as outlined in this NIH review of naltrexone’s uses.
When Can You Take Naltrexone?
Generally, a patient needs to wait at least 7–14 days after their last use of opioids before starting Naltrexone. A doctor can advise you on the specific waiting time for your situation. Someone who is still dependent on opioids or going through withdrawal should not take Naltrexone. Those with alcohol use disorder should also wait until they are no longer going through alcohol withdrawal before starting the medication. If you are interested in Naltrexone, the first step is to talk to your doctor to find out if you are a candidate and when it is safe to begin. While taking Naltrexone, a patient should be monitored by a physician. It is also very important not to take any other narcotics while on this drug. Consult a physician to find out which other medications to avoid.
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder is best suited for patients with moderate to severe alcohol use — someone who experiences alcohol-related problems, drinks on more than fifty percent of their days, and has more than five drinks on those days. This person has made past attempts to stop drinking without success and is motivated to abstain from alcohol. Research published on NIH’s PMC confirms naltrexone’s effectiveness in managing alcohol dependence as part of a broader treatment plan.
Support Options
A person who is taking a medication like Naltrexone to maintain sobriety and is avoiding drugs and alcohol is considered sober. In some instances, they may face stigma or pushback at 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous for being on medication. However, there are also many AA and NA meetings where someone on MAT is welcome. Some people on MAT prefer meetings specifically designed for those in medication-assisted recovery. MARA — Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous — offers meetings for these individuals. There are not as many MARA meetings as AA or NA meetings, so they can be trickier to locate, but you can find a MARA meeting near you on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common side effects of Naltrexone?
Possible side effects may include muscle cramps, headaches, painful joints, toothache, vomiting, decreased appetite, sleepiness, dizziness, cold symptoms, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. Individual responses to Naltrexone may vary. Consult your doctor to determine if this is an appropriate medication for you.
What are some more serious side effects of Naltrexone?
The following more serious side effects are less common, though individual responses may vary. Some patients have experienced depressed mood, pneumonia, and severe reactions at the injection site such as swelling, lumps, scabs, blisters, pain, tissue damage, and open wounds. Liver damage or hepatitis and serious allergic reactions — including rashes, facial swelling, trouble breathing, chest pain, and fainting — have also been reported. Consult your doctor to determine if this is an appropriate medication for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, confusion, or high fever, call 911 immediately. For questions about medically supervised alcohol detox at our San Fernando Valley facilities, call Believe Detox Center at (888) 780-0904.
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