Naltrexone isn’t a new or experimental drug. Researchers began studying its potential for alcohol use in the 1980s, after animal studies found that blocking opioid receptors could reduce drinking. But a surprising number of people don’t know just how well-researched it is.
Early research suggests semaglutide may reduce alcohol cravings and some measures of drinking in people with alcohol use disorder. Several randomized trials have now reported benefits, but the studies are still relatively small and haven’t shown improvement on every drinking outcome.
If you’re comparing Sunnyside Med and Oar Health, you’ve probably already decided that naltrexone is worth considering. The bigger question is what support you want to come with it.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often described as a chronic condition. That can sound pretty final, especially if you’re already worried about your drinking. But a chronic condition isn’t necessarily one that stays the same forever. AUD can improve substantially, and many people who once met the criteria for alcohol dependence no longer do later in life. Recovery can include abstinence, lower-risk drinking, or remission from AUD symptoms.
AA has strong evidence behind it for helping people with alcohol use disorder achieve abstinence, but the studies don’t support a single universal “success rate.” They also tell us much less about people who want to cut back rather than quit drinking completely.
You’ve found something that might help you drink less. Then you read that naltrexone blocks endorphins and start wondering what that means for your workouts. You like running. You like going to the gym. Is naltrexone going to make either of those things harder or less enjoyable?
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About Sunnyside
Sunnyside is a comprehensive platform for building a healthier relationship with alcohol. We combine a behavior-change app, real human coaching, and Sunnyside Med — our Telehealth service where licensed providers can prescribe medication to help reduce alcohol cravings. Members using the Sunnyside app report an average 33% reduction in weekly alcohol consumption, and Sunnyside Med customers are reducing their drinking by nearly 50% on average — along with improved sleep, better mental clarity, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
What is Naltrexone? Naltrexone is a medication that works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol and helps decrease cravings. Originally approved by the FDA in 1994 for the treatment of alcohol dependence, Naltrexone has been shown in clinical studies to significantly reduce heavy drinking days and support long-term moderation. Sunnyside Med prescribes a compounded oral formulation containing Naltrexone as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes coaching, tracking, and ongoing medical support.
Sunnyside Med connects you with licensed medical providers who can prescribe compounded medication containing Naltrexone, an active ingredient that is FDA-approved to support alcohol moderation, through a private Telehealth process. Sunnyside Med is not a substitute for emergency services or inpatient treatment. If you are in crisis or experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or call 911. We are proud partners of Moderation Management, a non-profit dedicated to reducing the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol.
Alcohol Moderation guides