Can Naltrexone Help Manage My Alcohol Use Disorder?

When you're trying to get a handle on alcohol use disorder, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options (or the lack of them). Maybe you’ve tried quitting before and found that the consequences of drinking alcohol always seem to catch up with you, whether it’s in your health, relationships, or just the way you feel about yourself. Cravings can hit hard, and willpower alone often isn’t enough. That’s where naltrexone alcohol treatment becomes utterly relevant.

Naltrexone is one of the most widely used and researched medications for alcohol use disorder, and it works differently than what you might expect. It simply reduces the urge to keep drinking, which can be a game-changer for many people.

This blog will inform readers about how naltrexone works in treating alcohol use disorder, clarify common misconceptions, and highlight how it fits into a broader recovery plan involving counseling and outpatient support. 

What Is Naltrexone?

If you’re looking into options for managing alcohol use disorder — maybe through a therapist, group support, or addiction counseling Portland programs — you might’ve heard about naltrexone. 

So what is it, and how can it help?

Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication that treats both alcohol and opioid use disorders. It’s non-addictive, doesn’t produce a high, and doesn’t lead to physical dependence, making it different from many other medications used in recovery.

While it's not a cure-all, naltrexone is often used as part of a larger recovery plan that includes therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes. 

How Does Naltrexone Help with Alcohol Use?

Naltrexone alcohol treatment works by targeting the way alcohol interacts with your brain. Normally, drinking triggers a rush of feel-good chemicals (especially endorphins) that reinforce the habit and make you want to keep going. Naltrexone blocks those effects.

By shutting down the brain’s reward response to alcohol, naltrexone makes drinking feel less pleasurable. Over time, this can reduce the desire to drink altogether. People often find that their cravings and urges start to fade, which gives them more control and space to make different choices.

That said, the medication works best when it’s part of a bigger picture. 

As stated, naltrexone isn’t a standalone solution. In fact, it’s most effective when paired with therapy, outpatient support, or counseling. This combo helps address not just the physical side of addiction, but the emotional and behavioral patterns behind it too.

Is Naltrexone Right for Everyone?

Naltrexone alcohol treatment can be a strong option for people who are ready to reduce or stop drinking, especially if cravings have been a major obstacle. If you’ve already started cutting back or are motivated to make a change and you’re working with a healthcare provider, this medication might be worth considering.

However, take note that it’s not the right fit for everyone. 

If you have a liver condition, you may be advised against taking it. And while it is FDA-approved for opioid use disorder, it’s only safe to start after opioids have fully cleared your system. Taking naltrexone while opioids are still in your body (including medications like fentanyl, OxyContin, Vicodin, methadone, or buprenorphine) can lead to sudden, intense withdrawal symptoms.

You also shouldn’t take naltrexone if you’re allergic to it or fail a challenge test that checks if it’s safe to start the medication.

Because of these risks, naltrexone is only available by prescription and should always be used under medical supervision. A professional will walk you through the risks, review your health history, and help decide if naltrexone makes sense for your recovery plan.

The Role of Addiction Treatment in Recovery

Naltrexone can support your recovery, but it works best as part of a broader approach. Long-term change usually comes from a combination of medication, structure, and emotional support.

Considering getting treatment in Portland, Oregon? Here’s how those pieces fit together in the state (and elsewhere).

• Portland outpatient treatment provides structure and accountability while allowing you to live at home. It typically includes regular therapy sessions, group support, and help navigating daily triggers, all designed to keep you grounded and supported as you recover.
• HIOP Oregon, a type of intensive outpatient program, offers more focused care without requiring a residential stay. These programs often involve several sessions per week, more hands-on clinical support, and flexible scheduling that works around your life.
• Addiction counseling in Portland helps you go deeper into the emotional side of recovery. Through therapy, you can build healthier coping strategies, work through past trauma or stress, and start repairing relationships that may have been strained by alcohol use.

Bringing all of these elements together can make recovery more sustainable and less overwhelming.

Conclusion

Managing alcohol use disorder isn’t easy, but there are real, evidence-based tools that can help. Naltrexone alcohol treatment can reduce cravings and make it easier to stay on track. Nonetheless, it works best when paired with therapy, structure, and consistent support.

That’s where a trusted facility that offers a range of services (including outpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs) comes in. 

Want to embrace a sober life? Another Chance offers compassionate, comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Learn more about our services and contact us today!