Has anyone tried naltrexone to quit drinking alcohol?

Naltrexone is a medication used to treat alcohol, opioid, or heroin addiction. It is usually used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include counselling, behavioural therapy, and other support. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids on the brain. This can help reduce cravings for alcohol and reduce the amount of alcohol a person drinks.

Naltrexone has been shown to be effective in helping people reduce or stop drinking alcohol. In a study, naltrexone reduced the number of drinking days per week by 60% and the amount of alcohol consumed by 67%. Naltrexone has also been shown to be effective in helping people maintain sobriety after they have stopped drinking. In a study, naltrexone reduced the risk of relapse by 50%.

Common side effects of naltrexone include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. These side effects usually go away within the first few days of treatment. Serious side effects of naltrexone are rare, but can include liver damage, kidney failure, and seizures.

Naltrexone is a safe and effective medication that can help people reduce or stop drinking alcohol. It is important to talk to a healthcare professional about whether naltrexone is right for you.