A Flexible, Evidence-Based Path to Recovery
If you’re looking to reduce or stop drinking, you’re not alone. Naltrexone works by changing the brain’s response to alcohol — giving you more control, with less shame and less struggle. Recovery is personal, and this guide walks you through your options step by step.
Approaches
Recovery Is Personal: Two Valid Approaches
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
Goal: Stop drinking completely.
How it works: Naltrexone is taken daily, helping reduce cravings and support long-term stability.
Why it helps: Continuous receptor blockade dampens the craving cycle, improving clarity and supporting counseling and support programs.
Path 2 — Reduction (Sinclair Method)
Goal: Gradually reduce drinking by removing alcohol’s reward.
How it works: Take Naltrexone exactly 1 hour before drinking — only on drinking days.
Why it helps: Over months, the brain “unlearns” the pleasure from alcohol (pharmacological extinction). Drinking naturally becomes less frequent and less compelling.
Dosage Forms
• Daily Oral Tablet: Typically 50 mg (some start at 25 mg).
• Monthly Injection: 380 mg extended-release (Vivitrol®).
Want a Deeper Explanation?
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.
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
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
Patient FAQ Sheet
Simple answers to common concerns: side effects, cost, duration, interactions.
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
Helpful Tools to Get Started
Explore expert tips, health news, and patient-friendly articles to guide your wellness journey
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).
If you need assistance with OUD:
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?
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