Naltrexone for Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Medications for addiction treatment can provide various benefits to people in recovery. Naltrexone is one of several medications that doctors may prescribe to help people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or opioid use disorder (OUD).1,2
If you or someone you love is struggling alcohol or opioid use, it can help to understand your treatment options, including naltrexone for addiction treatment, and how to find effective rehab that works best for your needs.
What Is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a prescription opioid antagonist medication.1-3 It works by blocking the activation of opioid receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce or prevent the positive or rewarding effects of opioids and alcohol, minimize cravings, and ultimately decrease alcohol and opioid use.1,4
While naltrexone is used to help manage alcohol and opioid use, it is not itself an addictive substance, nor is there risk of diversion and misuse.3
Naltrexone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as one of the prescription addiction treatment medications that may be used to treat AUD and OUD.3
It is available as a generic and under different brand names, including Vivitrol—an extended-release injectable formulation of the medication.1,5
While both oral and extended-release injectable naltrexone may be indicated for treating people with alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder, oral formulations may be less likely to be used for managing opioid use disorder due to relatively high rates of non-adherence with the medication.2
What Is Naltrexone Used For?
Naltrexone is used for the treatment of AUD and OUD. It is often used as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies to help people work on underlying issues and learn new skills that are needed to remain sober.1
Naltrexone uses can include helping to reduce cravings and inhibiting the reinforcing or rewarding effects of opioids or alcohol, which may help people avoid substance use, thereby allowing them to better sustain their recovery efforts.2,6
Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder
Naltrexone for opioid use disorder may be prescribed to people in recovery as a way to help prevent relapse after medically supervised withdrawal or for those who have refrained from using any opioids for at least 7–10 days.2,4
Some of the important benefits of naltrexone for opioid addiction are that it is not an opioid, has no misuse potential, and does not produce opioid-like effects.2
Clinicians will not prescribe naltrexone for opioid withdrawal management, because it does not treat withdrawal symptoms; rather, it can precipitate opioid withdrawal in those with current or very recent opioid use.2
If someone uses opioids while on naltrexone, they will experience diminished or blocked opioid effects.4 As naltrexone for opioid addiction helps to reduce cravings and block the rewarding euphoria or “high” that is associated with opioid misuse, it may be easier for people to avoid a return to opioid use while taking this medication.4
People undergoing naltrexone treatment for OUD typically receive the extended-release (ER) injectable formulation of naltrexone.4
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder can be prescribed to those in recovery to help them reduce their number of heavy drinking days, lower their overall alcohol consumption, reduce excessive drinking, and alleviate cravings for alcohol.1
Research has shown that naltrexone can help people reduce their alcohol use, minimize cravings for alcohol, block pleasurable feelings associated with alcohol, and reduce heavy drinking in those who choose to drink.3
Naltrexone for alcohol addiction can be provided in 2 forms: the oral tablet is taken once daily, while the injectable, extended-release formulation is offered once every 4 weeks.6
Naltrexone does not treat withdrawal symptoms, so clinicians will not use naltrexone for alcohol withdrawal management. Instead, naltrexone is used to reduce drinking behavior and minimize relapse risks.1
Naltrexone for may be prescribed after signs and symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal have subsided.3 This generally means that people should be abstinent from alcohol for around 3-7 days before beginning naltrexone treatment.3
Side Effects of Naltrexone
Overall, naltrexone is generally regarded as safe and is not commonly linked to serious side effects.3
However, as with any type of medication, it’s possible for people to experience certain side effects from naltrexone treatment. The most commonly reported naltrexone side effects include:6
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Inflammation at the injection site (with extended-release injectable use).
Benefits of Naltrexone
Doctors and other treatment professionals may prescribe naltrexone for addiction treatment, as it can provide numerous benefits for those in recovery from OUD or AUD, especially when employed as a part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan.
There are benefits of naltrexone use, including:1,4,6
- Reductions in cravings for alcohol or opioids.
- Reductions in the number of heavy drinking days and excessive alcohol use.
- Relatively few side effects.
- It can complement a complete recovery plan by helping people sustain sobriety.
- It does not require a taper, so it can be stopped whenever a person is ready to do so.
- It can be as effective as buprenorphine for OUD in helping people avoid a return to opioid use.
How Long Does Naltrexone Treatment Last?
A person can safely take naltrexone for AUD or OUD for as long as there’s a medical benefit.4 People are generally advised to take naltrexone for AUD for at least 3 months, and there are no reported safety concerns in those who have taken it for 6 months to a year.1 There is no limit to how long people can take naltrexone for OUD.7
Naltrexone for Addiction in Orange County
If you or a loved one are struggling, we are here to assist you. Laguna Treatment Center, a premier drug rehab in Orange County, offers effective, evidence-based treatment for OUD and AUD that can include the use of naltrexone, as well as other medications and therapies.
We offer different levels of care, including medical detox and inpatient rehab, with personalized treatment plans that are designed for each person’s unique needs.
When you’re ready to reach out, please call our free, confidential helpline at to connect with a caring admissions navigator. You can also start by verifying your insurance coverage using our .
We can help you get started with rehab admissions, explain how to pay for rehab, help you understand more about paying for rehab with health insurance, and quickly verify your coverage.
Help is available, and people can and do recover from OUD and AUD with proper treatment.