Regain Control. Rebuild Your Future.
Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a journey of choice and empowerment. This page offers clear, compassionate, science-backed guidance to help you and your family understand whether naltrexone is right for you.
Mechanism
Mechanism
Mechanism
How Naltrexone Works
Alcohol activates opioid receptors in the brain, triggering a “reward loop” that fuels cravings. Naltrexone gently blocks these receptors, making alcohol feel less rewarding and helping urges fade over time.
Not Addictive
Doesn’t create cravings or habit-forming effects.
Not a Narcotic
Contains no opioid ingredients or euphoric effects.
Does Not Create Dependence
Stopping it doesn’t cause withdrawal.
Approaches
Approaches
Approaches
Flexible Treatment Options
Naltrexone supports different recovery goals — from total abstinence to reducing heavy drinking gradually. You and your doctor decide which approach fits your journey.
Path 1 —Total Abstinence
Taken daily. Helps keep cravings low and supports stable recovery.
Path 2 — Reduction (Sinclair Method)
Taken one hour before drinking. Over time, the brain “unlearns” alcohol’s reward (pharmacological extinction).
Dosage Forms
• Daily Oral Tablet: Typically 50 mg (some start at 25 mg).
• Monthly Injection: 380 mg extended-release (Vivitrol®).
Want a Deeper Explanation?
Benefits
Benefits
Benefits
Why Patients Choose Naltrexone
The Naltrexone Alliance promotes awareness of naltrexone as a safe, effective, and underused tool for treating Alcohol Use Disorder. We work to expand access and implementation through the following initiatives:
Reduces Cravings
Helps break the urge-to-drink cycle.
Blunts Alcohol’s Reward
Makes drinking feel less reinforcing.
Fits Your Life
Daily, monthly, or targeted use — built for real routines.
Resources
Resources
Resources
Helpful Tools to Get Started
The Naltrexone Alliance promotes awareness of naltrexone as a safe, effective, and underused tool for treating Alcohol Use Disorder. We work to expand access and implementation through the following initiatives:
01
Talk to Your Doctor Script
Prepared questions to help you talk confidently with your clinician about Naltrexone.
02
03
Provider Finder
A directory of clinicians experienced with Naltrexone treatment for AUD.
04
Side Effects Guide
A checklist of mild vs serious side effects and tips for managing them.
Blog
Blog
Blog
Helpful Tools to Get Started
Explore expert tips, health news, and patient-friendly articles to guide your wellness journey
Safety
Safety
Safety
A Note on Opioid Use
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist.
If you take opioid pain medications or have Opioid Use Disorder, you must be opioid-free for a period before starting Naltrexone — otherwise it may trigger sudden withdrawal.
This site focuses specifically on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, straightforward answers to common concerns patients and families have about Naltrexone.
What does naltrexone do?
Does naltrexone make you sick if you drink?
Is naltrexone addictive?
Can I start naltrexone even if I’m not ready to quit drinking?
What forms does it come in?
How long does treatment last?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, straightforward answers to common concerns patients and families have about Naltrexone.
What does naltrexone do?
Does naltrexone make you sick if you drink?
Is naltrexone addictive?
Can I start naltrexone even if I’m not ready to quit drinking?
What forms does it come in?
How long does treatment last?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, straightforward answers to common concerns patients and families have about Naltrexone.
What does naltrexone do?
Does naltrexone make you sick if you drink?
Is naltrexone addictive?
Can I start naltrexone even if I’m not ready to quit drinking?
What forms does it come in?
How long does treatment last?