Key Takeaways
- Naltrexone is a non addictive medication used for alcohol use disorder that can reduce cravings and some of alcohol’s rewarding effects.
- Naltrexone is available as a daily oral medication or an extended release injection, giving healthcare providers different options based on each veteran’s needs.
- Medication can be most helpful when combined with therapy, mental health care, relapse prevention, and continued support for alcohol addiction.
Alcohol can be hard to control, especially when veterans use it to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, or PTSD. Naltrexone is an FDA approved medication that may help reduce alcohol cravings and heavy drinking. It works by making alcohol feel less rewarding.
Medication is only one part of treatment. Therapy can also help veterans address trauma, triggers, mental health concerns, and unhealthy drinking habits. At Sober First Recovery, we provide veteran focused alcohol addiction treatment in Newport Beach and serve veterans across the United States.
How Does Naltrexone Help Reduce Alcohol Use?
Naltrexone blocks some of the rewarding effects of alcohol, which can help reduce cravings and heavy drinking. It does not work the same way for everyone, and cravings may not disappear completely.
For veterans who drink to cope with trauma, anxiety, pain, or difficult memories, naltrexone may help reduce the urge to drink while therapy addresses the reasons behind alcohol use.
What Is Naltrexone and How Does It Work for Alcohol Addiction?
Naltrexone is a prescription medication approved to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. It is not addictive and does not produce a high.
For alcohol treatment, naltrexone is generally available in two forms:
Form of Naltrexone | How It Is Taken | Typical Schedule |
Oral tablet | Taken by mouth | Usually daily |
Extended release injection | Given by a healthcare provider | Usually once a month |
Both forms work by blocking opioid receptors involved in alcohol’s rewarding effects. The best option depends on a person’s medical history, treatment needs, medications, and ability to follow a dosing schedule.
Who May Benefit From Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Naltrexone may help adults who want to reduce heavy drinking or avoid returning to alcohol. Before prescribing it, a healthcare provider should review medical history, medications, liver health, and other substance use.
Veterans who use opioid pain medications should tell their provider because naltrexone can cause sudden withdrawal in people who are physically dependent on opioids. Not everyone with alcohol addiction needs medication, so treatment should be based on each person’s needs.
How Does Naltrexone Help Reduce Alcohol Cravings and Heavy Drinking?
Alcohol cravings can make it hard to cut back or stop drinking. Naltrexone may help by making alcohol feel less rewarding, which can reduce cravings and heavy drinking.
Medication can also make it easier for veterans to focus on therapy for trauma, stress, mental health concerns, and drinking triggers. Combining naltrexone with therapy and continued support can address both cravings and the reasons behind alcohol use.
How Long Does Naltrexone Take to Work for Alcohol Addiction?
There is no exact timeline for how quickly every person will respond to Naltrexone. Some veterans may notice changes in cravings or drinking patterns sooner than others. Progress can depend on alcohol use, medication consistency, health, treatment goals, and participation in therapy.
Oral naltrexone is generally taken daily, while extended release naltrexone is given about once a month. The length of treatment also varies. A healthcare provider can monitor drinking, cravings, side effects, and progress to determine how long medication may be useful.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Naltrexone Treatment?
Naltrexone can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, or stomach discomfort. The injection may also cause soreness or irritation where it is given.
More serious side effects, including liver problems, are possible. Veterans should discuss their health conditions, medications, and substance use with a healthcare provider before starting naltrexone.
A simple way to look at naltrexone is:
Possible Benefits | Important Considerations |
May reduce alcohol cravings | Requires medical evaluation |
May reduce heavy drinking | Should not be started during opioid dependence |
Does not cause euphoria | Side effects are possible |
Available as a pill or injection | Works best as part of continued treatment |
These considerations were also reflected in the previous treatment draft.
Can Veterans Take Naltrexone While Receiving Therapy for Alcohol Addiction?
Yes. Naltrexone can be used with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat alcohol addiction. The medication may reduce cravings, while therapy helps veterans address trauma, stress, triggers, and difficult emotions.
How Can Naltrexone Fit Into a Veteran Alcohol Addiction Treatment Plan?
Naltrexone may be one part of a larger treatment plan for veterans with alcohol addiction. Treatment can also address withdrawal, cravings, PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relapse prevention.
Veterans with alcohol dependence may need Medical Detox before starting longer term treatment. After detox, naltrexone may be used with therapy and continued support when medically appropriate.
Why Do Veterans Choose Sober First Recovery for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Veterans may choose Sober First Recovery because our programs focus on alcohol addiction, military trauma, and co-occurring mental health concerns.
Our Newport Beach treatment center serves veterans from California and across the United States. We offer Medical Detox, Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Virtual Addiction Treatment.
Care may address alcohol withdrawal, cravings, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and relapse prevention. Therapy may include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Trauma Therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy. Our goal is to help veterans reduce their reliance on alcohol while building healthier ways to handle stress, trauma, emotions, and everyday life.
Get Support for Veteran Alcohol Addiction at Sober First Recovery
Naltrexone can be a useful treatment option for some veterans with alcohol use disorder. It may help reduce cravings and heavy drinking while giving veterans more room to focus on therapy and recovery. Medication works best as part of a treatment plan based on the veteran’s physical health, mental health, alcohol use, and recovery goals.
If you or a veteran you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact the team at Sober First Recovery today to discuss treatment options and the level of care that may fit your needs.
FAQs
No. Naltrexone may reduce cravings and heavy drinking, but it does not remove every urge to drink. Results vary, and medication may work best alongside therapy and continued support.
No. Naltrexone does not cause a high or physical dependence and is considered a non addictive medication.
Yes. Naltrexone can be combined with counseling, behavioral therapy, and other addiction services. Therapy can help address trauma, triggers, mental health symptoms, and behaviors connected to drinking.
Naltrexone blocks opioids and can cause sudden withdrawal in someone who is physically dependent on them. Veterans should tell their healthcare provider about all opioid medications before starting treatment.
Naltrexone is not a medication for treating acute alcohol withdrawal. Veterans who are physically dependent on alcohol may need medical withdrawal management first, followed by longer term addiction treatment.