Naltrexone for alcoholism is a common intervention used for treating those who cannot stop drinking. While this medication can be effective for alcohol recovery, it is important to understand how it should be used. If you are looking for alcoholism treatment options, Sound Recovery Centers can provide the support you need for lasting recovery.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication that has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of certain types of addiction. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids.

It does this by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and preventing opioids from binding with them. This, in turn, blocks the “high” that people would typically experience when using opioids.

Naltrexone comes in both a pill form as well as an extended-release injectable form. The pills can be taken daily, while the injections will be administered once every four weeks. Naltrexone is available under three different brand names: ReVia, Vivitrol, and Depade.

What Is Naltrexone Approved to Treat?

As a non-opioid medication, Naltrexone does not pose a risk for addiction. It also does not cause withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using it. These factors make it a safe and effective choice for treating addictions like alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Once an individual has completed the detox process and is no longer experiencing withdrawal symptoms, Naltrexone can be incorporated into their recovery process. When used in MAT for alcohol abuse, Naltrexone binds to endorphin receptors in the body. This blocks the effects of alcohol, including those that might make a person want to continue drinking.

In doing so, Naltrexone can improve treatment success rates by reducing alcohol cravings, which often lead to relapse for those in early recovery. This medication is typically administered over a period of three to four months. During this time, the individual will be monitored by their treatment provider to ensure the medication is a good fit for them.

Opioid Use Disorder

Naltrexone’s interaction with the brain blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. This means it is able to reduce and suppress opioid cravings, reducing relapse rates. Furthermore, the injectable form of this medication is only administered once a month, making it a fairly convenient treatment option.

How Does Naltrexone for Alcoholism Work?

Alcohol interacts with opioid receptors in the brain. This releases dopamine, which produces pleasurable and euphoric feelings. Naltrexone works by blocking these receptors. This prevents the release of dopamine and reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol.

Without the possibility of achieving the enjoyable effects of alcohol, Naltrexone dissuades individuals from drinking. This can significantly increase their recovery chances and provide them with the motivation they need to maintain their sobriety.

What Are the Benefits of Naltrexone for Alcohol Abuse?

Understanding how this medication can improve your treatment outcomes and overall quality of life is important when deciding what treatment options are best for you. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach, there are many benefits that come with using Naltrexone for alcohol abuse.

Reduces Cravings for Alcohol

Relapse rates are highest during the first few months of sobriety. By reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol, Naltrexone can help lessen the intense cravings that often trigger relapse in people with alcohol use disorder. Reducing these cravings can help make the earlier stages of recovery much easier for many people.

Increased Likelihood for Long-Term Sobriety

Alcoholism disrupts the brain’s reward system. This leads to a cycle of dependence where individuals crave alcohol to feel normal. By blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, naltrexone helps break this cycle. Gradually, it helps allow the brain to gradually rewire itself to function normally without the need for alcohol. This significantly increases the likelihood of maintaining long-term sobriety.

Side Effects of Naltrexone for Alcoholism

Naltrexone for alcoholism is generally well-tolerated. Of course, as with any medication, it can have negative side effects. Some of the more common side effects people experience when taking Naltrexone include:

Gastrointestinal Issues:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Constipation

Other Common Side Effects:

Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
Nervousness
Insomnia
Decreased appetite
Muscle aches
Joint pain

Other Medications for Alcohol Abuse

It is important to note that Naltrexone is not the only medication for alcohol addiction available. There are several medications used in alcoholism treatment. In addition to Naltrexone, the most common include Acamprosate, Disulfiram, and Baclofen.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate works by restoring the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that are disrupted by chronic alcohol use. Specifically, it helps regulate the activity of two neurotransmitters: glutamate and GABA.

Acamprosate can help reduce alcohol cravings, making it easier for individuals to resist the urge to drink. By stabilizing brain chemistry, acamprosate can help individuals maintain long-term abstinence from alcohol.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse, prevents the body from breaking down alcohol. This means that when a person taking disulfiram consumes even small amounts of alcohol, it causes a buildup of acetaldehyde, a toxic substance in the bloodstream.

This buildup of acetaldehyde leads to unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects, such as:

Flushing
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing

Through producing such unpleasant side effects, Disulfiram acts as a deterrent to drinking by creating a strong aversion to alcohol. This can significantly reduce the desire to drink in individuals recovering from addiction. Consequently, this helps increase their likelihood of maintaining their sobriety.

Baclofen

Although Baclofen is a medication primarily used to treat muscle spasms, some studies have suggested that it may be helpful in treating AUD. In particular, it has been found to be helpful in reducing alcohol cravings in recovering individuals. This can be crucial for their chances of success in long-term recovers.

The Benefits of Alcohol Abuse Treatment

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help can be highly rewarding. Alcohol abuse treatment offers numerous benefits, including:

Improved Physical Health:

Reduced risk of liver disease (cirrhosis), heart disease, certain cancers, and other health problems.
Better sleep quality
Increased energy levels
Improved overall physical well-being

Enhanced Mental Health:

Reduced anxiety and depression
Improved mood regulation
Increased self-esteem
Improved cognitive function (memory, concentration)
Reduced risk of suicide

Improved Relationships:

Stronger family bonds
Improved communication and conflict-resolution skills
Rebuilding damaged relationships
Increased social support

Naltrexone As Part of an Overall Alcohol Abuse Recovery Plan

Naltrexone for alcoholism can be a valuable component of a comprehensive alcohol abuse recovery plan. Of course, it is crucial to understand its role within a broader treatment approach. At Sound Recovery Centers, we offer medication-assisted treatment alongside several other recovery interventions.

We take a whole-health approach to the recovery process, incorporating both evidence-based and holistic treatments. This allows our clients to heal in mind, body, and spirit. Some of the treatment interventions used in our alcohol addiction program include:

Psychotherapy for Alcohol Addiction

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, plays a crucial role in the treatment of alcohol addiction. It helps individuals understand the root causes of their drinking by exploring underlying issues. In doing so, they can find healthy ways to manage difficult emotions without resorting to alcohol.

At Sound Recovery Centers, we offer several types of psychotherapy for alcohol addiction:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to alcohol use.
Motivational Interviewing: This helps individuals increase their motivation to change their drinking behavior.
Family Therapy: Involves family members in the treatment process to address family dynamics and improve communication.
Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and build a recovery community.

Holistic Therapy for Alcohol Addiction

Holistic therapy for alcohol addiction focuses on treating the whole person rather than just addressing the addiction itself. Sound Recovery Centers uses holistic therapies as complementary approaches to traditional addiction treatment methods.

Some of the holistic therapies we use in our alcohol addiction treatment program include:

Mind-Body Therapies: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and improve overall well-being.
Nutritional Counseling: A balanced diet can improve overall health, boost energy levels, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Alternative Therapies: Journaling, art therapy, music therapy, and other alternative therapies can be powerful tools for self-expression and emotional processing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to know what treatment options are available to you. Naltrexone is just one of many components used in our recovery approach. If you are ready to start your recovery journey, we are here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can get you started on the path to sobriety.