Last Updated on June 20, 2026

Naltrexone is a prescription medication that reduces alcohol cravings by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors. FDA-approved since 1994, it is taken as a daily pill and helps people drink less by making alcohol feel less rewarding. It is safe to drink while taking naltrexone, and it works best when combined with behavioral support like coaching or therapy.

Plenty of people who drink have, at one time or another, tried to cut back, take time off, or become more mindful of their drinking habits. Often, this journey involves an app or program like Sunnyside, which can be incredibly helpful: They offer education, coaching, tracking, and community tools to help you drink less. 

Naltrexone is another tool that can help you make a change. The FDA-approved medication works by taking the edge off the intense pull to drink—and it can open a new path to both moderation and quitting. No matter how much you drink, the research shows promising results, especially when combined with other forms of support or therapy. It’s been covered by the New York Times, National Geographic, and PBS NewsHour, among other publications—and yet a lot of people still don’t know it exists.

It’s time to let go of the all-or-nothing approach when it comes to drinking. Resources like naltrexone allow us to shift what’s going on in our brains when we drink, rather than putting all the emphasis on willpower.

Whether you’re looking to moderate or quit, this guide will help you understand how exactly naltrexone works, what happens when you stop, and how Sunnyside Med can make your journey to healthier habits long-lasting and effective. 

What is Naltrexone? 

Naltrexone is a prescription medication that can help people manage their alcohol cravings. It works to reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol, leading to fewer cravings over time. While it’s not a magic pill, it is a tool that works with your brain chemistry to make alcohol seem less appealing. 

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means it works by blocking opioid receptors. This, in turn, diminishes the pleasurable sensations associated with drinking. Many people taking naltrexone, including Sunnyside Med customers, describe feeling more distance between a craving and their decision to drink, making it easier to pause and choose how they actually want to respond.

We’ll get into much more detail below.

A Quick Note on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

While naltrexone is commonly prescribed for alcohol use disorder (AUD), some clinicians also use it to help people who want to cut back or gain more control over their drinking.

If you’re interested in naltrexone, you do not need to get caught up on the word AUD, nor necessarily identify with it. All you have to know is that you want help drinking less. AUD is a technical term that can’t be avoided when writing about naltrexone. 

So, what is alcohol use disorder (AUD)? AUD is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control drinking despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences. It’s a brain disorder, not a moral failing or lack of willpower, and it exists on a spectrum from mild to severe. 

AUD can look different for everyone. Some people may drink heavily daily, while others may binge occasionally but still struggle with control. 

The great news? Effective treatments exist, which is exactly where naltrexone comes in.

The History of Naltrexone

Naltrexone first gained attention as a treatment for alcohol use in the early 1990s, when researchers (including Dr. Joseph Volpicelli) discovered that blocking opioid receptors could reduce alcohol’s rewarding effects. Early clinical trials found that people taking naltrexone were less likely to return to heavy drinking and often found it easier to cut back. In 1994, the FDA approved naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol dependence, giving people a new evidence-based option alongside counseling and other forms of support.

The story of naltrexone actually began much earlier. The medication was originally developed as a treatment for opioid dependence, and it received FDA approval for that use in 1984. Researchers later realized that the same opioid receptors involved in opioid addiction also play a role in alcohol reward and reinforcement. This led to a new line of research exploring whether blocking those receptors could help reduce drinking.

As scientists learned more about addiction and people spoke more openly about mental health and alcohol, the general consensus on these topics evolved. Researchers increasingly recognized that alcohol use is influenced by brain biology, learned reward pathways, environment, and behavior, not willpower alone. Naltrexone became one of the first medications to directly target the brain’s reward response to alcohol, helping to expand treatment options beyond traditional abstinence-only approaches.

Today, naltrexone remains one of the most studied medications for reducing alcohol consumption. While it is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder, some clinicians also prescribe it to help people who want to cut back, feel more control over their drinking, or support long-term behavior change. Rather than replacing therapy, coaching, or other forms of support, naltrexone works best as part of a broader approach to building healthier drinking habits.

Why Naltrexone is Gaining Attention

If you’ve noticed more people talking about naltrexone, you’re not imagining it. Over the past few decades, research has steadily expanded our understanding of how naltrexone can help reduce alcohol consumption and support long-term behavior change. At the same time, awareness of evidence-based treatments for alcohol use disorder has grown, helping more people learn about options beyond relying on willpower alone.

While naltrexone is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder (AUD), some clinicians also prescribe it to help people reduce their drinking, manage cravings, or gain more control over their alcohol use. Interest has also grown alongside the expansion of telehealth and increased conversations about moderation, habit change, and proactive approaches to alcohol health.

Naltrexone has helped shift the conversation around alcohol use by highlighting the role of brain biology and reward pathways in drinking behavior. Understanding how alcohol affects the brain can help people view drinking through a health lens rather than as a personal failing. Researchers now recognize that alcohol use is influenced by a combination of biology, learned reward patterns, environment, and behavior.

It’s also helping people move away from an unhelpful all-or-nothing attitude. Traditionally, treatment options were often presented as either complete abstinence or no treatment at all. While many effective approaches to recovery have always existed, that framework did not resonate with everyone. Today, people have more options, including therapy, coaching, support groups, medications, and moderation-focused programs.

Naltrexone can meet people where they are. Unlike some treatment approaches that begin with an abstinence goal, naltrexone can be used by people whose goal is moderation as well as those whose goal is quitting entirely. For many people, that flexibility makes it easier to take the first step toward changing their relationship with alcohol.

One Sunnyside member put it this way: “The buzz is different for me on naltrexone. I feel like the naltrexone gives me back my ‘brake pedal’ on drinking.”

How Does Naltrexone Work?

Naltrexone works to block the “reward” you feel from alcohol, like the buzz that starts after your first drink or two. Normally, alcohol triggers the release of endorphins, which activate opioid receptors in the brain. That activation contributes to dopamine release in the brain’s reward pathways, reinforcing the idea that alcohol is rewarding and worth repeating.

Dopamine plays a big role in your reward system. The release of this chemical makes you feel satisfied and, importantly, motivated to repeat whatever you did to get that reward in the first place. So the more your brain associates alcohol with a reward, the more likely you are to want to drink more.

When naltrexone is in your system, though, it binds to those opioid receptors and blocks their activation. That means naltrexone dampens the feel-good effects of alcohol, reducing the reinforcement that helps drive cravings and repeated drinking. Over time, your reward system starts to learn that alcohol is less rewarding than it once was, which may help weaken the learned association between alcohol and pleasure.

It’s important to note that naltrexone’s effectiveness varies from person to person depending on genetics, brain chemistry, drinking patterns, and how consistently it’s taken. Some people notice a substantial reduction in alcohol’s rewarding effects, while others experience a more subtle dampening.

Naltrexone doesn’t block alcohol’s other effects, such as sedation, motor impairment, poor judgment, or nausea. It also doesn’t prevent you from getting drunk. It simply makes drinking less rewarding for many people.

“Naltrexone doesn’t blunt my joy or my dopamine in any other area of life. If anything, I feel sharper and more present, because I’m not spending mental energy on alcohol,” says Ian Andersen, co-founder of Sunnyside. I got bloodwork done. Everything came back clean. After two years on naltrexone, I’m healthier than I’ve been in a long time.”

Naltrexone is a Tool, Not a Cure

While naltrexone can help retrain your brain to stop associating alcohol with something rewarding, it’s not the be-all-end-all solution to challenges with drinking. Research consistently finds that medication tends to work best when paired with behavioral support, coaching, counseling, or other forms of treatment.

So while naltrexone can help you reduce or quit alcohol, it takes time and an overall holistic approach. You’ll still need to spend time working on lifestyle, coping tools, and other issues that contribute to unhealthy behaviors to achieve long-term success. Some people can feel their cravings reduce in the very first week of taking naltrexone, while others need months. Many factors are at play, including how much you’re currently drinking. 

That’s why we created Sunnyside Med, the program that gives qualified applicants access to compounded naltrexone along with the full personalized care of our Sunnyside app, including:

• Daily reminders: Get daily nudges to stay up to date with your medication, with personalized reminders about goals and progress.
• Coaching: Text with a real human coach when you need extra support, 7 days a week. Our peer coaches have been on the journey too.
• Community: Give and get support in the vibrant Sunnyside community, a place to cultivate a positive mindset every day.
• Progress: Whether it’s sleep, dry days, or drinks cut, Sunnyside shows you your progress in the terms that matter most to you.
• Resources: Access videos, exercises, and readings to help you get the most out of your medication, and engrain new habits over time.
• Drink tracking: Track your drinks and dry days via text message or in the app to get real-time feedback about where you are relative to your goals.

If you’re curious about Sunnyside Med, learn more here.

Oral Naltrexone vs. Injectable Naltrexone: Which is Best?

Taking naltrexone orally and daily is the most common—and the best-supported—method. You take one pill a day, at the same time, and that’s it. This works best for people who are trying to make a dent in their drinking habits. It’s also a good choice for people looking to moderate. You can find your own balance over time, without the pressure of total abstinence. 

Injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol) is more common for people with more severe AUD or those who struggle to stick with taking the pill daily. The injectable is given once a month by a healthcare professional, which means a doctor’s appointment is necessary. 

Oral naltrexone is more common (and much easier to acquire), especially for people who want a gradual, self-managed path to moderation or eventual abstinence.

Is Naltrexone Safe? 

Yes, naltrexone is considered safe for most people when used as prescribed. There are still side effects to be aware of, though not everyone experiences them.

Certain groups of people should avoid naltrexone, such as:

• People currently using opioids or who are physically dependent on opioids. This is a very important safety issue when it comes to naltrexone — any current opioid use (prescribed, recreational, or high-dose loperamide) requires a proper opioid-free interval before starting, or patients risk precipitated withdrawal.
• People with some liver issues, though this is not always a contraindication and should be discussed with a physician
• People who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Anyone who falls into these groups should discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.

Naltrexone Side Effects

Like all medications, naltrexone can come with side effects — though many people tolerate it well, especially after the first few days. Most side effects tend to be mild and go away on their own. Most naltrexone nausea, for instance, is mild to moderate and tends to improve during the first few weeks of treatment.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea – Especially common in the first few days of treatment as your body adjusts. Affects 10-30% of patients.
• Headaches – Often mild and temporary, but can be persistent in some users.
• Dizziness – You may feel lightheaded or off-balance, particularly when standing up quickly.
• Fatigue – A general sense of tiredness or low energy.

Other possible side effects may include:

• Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Loss of appetite or stomach discomfort
• Muscle or joint aches
• Increased thirst
• Irritability or mood changes

Rare but more serious side effects can include:

• Liver issues – High doses of naltrexone may impact liver function. Your doctor may recommend regular liver enzyme tests, especially if you have a history of liver problems.
• Allergic reactions – Though rare, symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. Seek medical help immediately if this occurs.
• Depression or suicidal thoughts – Mood changes should be monitored, especially if you have a history of mental health concerns. Let your doctor know about any emotional changes while on the medication.

Side effects, if present, are usually most noticeable at the beginning and may fade over time. If any side effects feel intense or don’t go away, talk to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose or help you manage symptoms.

Starting Naltrexone: What to Expect

Getting started with naltrexone is more straightforward than many people expect. Whether you go through your primary care doctor, a specialist, or a telehealth service like Sunnyside Med, the process usually follows a few simple steps.

1. Talk to a Healthcare Provider

The first step is determining whether naltrexone is appropriate for you. During your appointment, be honest about your drinking habits, health history, and goals. Naltrexone is often prescribed to help people drink less, reduce cravings, or support sobriety, but it isn’t right for everyone.

Many people now obtain naltrexone through telehealth services, which can make the process faster and more convenient than scheduling an in-person appointment. Through Sunnyside Med, eligible members can complete an online medical evaluation and connect with a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether naltrexone is a good fit for their goals.

2. Review Your Medical History

Your provider will ask about current medications, liver health, and any opioid use. This step is important because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and can cause sudden withdrawal in people who have opioids in their system.

If you use opioid medications or illicit opioids, tell your provider before starting treatment.

3. Complete an Opioid-Free Period

People who use opioids generally need to be opioid-free for at least 7 to 10 days before starting naltrexone. Your healthcare provider can help determine the safest timeline based on your situation.

4. Start Slowly if Recommended

Many clinicians recommend beginning with a lower dose for the first few days before increasing to the full prescribed amount. This isn’t required, but it can help reduce temporary side effects such as nausea, headache, or fatigue while your body adjusts.

5. Follow Your Prescribed Protocol

Some people take naltrexone daily, while others take it before situations where they expect to drink. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and avoid doubling doses if you miss one.

Consistency matters. The people who benefit most from naltrexone are often the people who continue taking it as directed long enough to allow new habits to take hold.

6. Build a Support System

Research consistently shows that naltrexone works best when combined with behavioral support. That might mean therapy, coaching, a support group, or a structured program designed to help you change your drinking habits over time.

If you’re using Sunnyside Med, you’ll have access to a community of people working toward similar goals, along with tools designed to help you stay consistent and build momentum. In fact, Sunnyside data shows that users are 3x more likely to refill their naltrexone prescription when engaged with the Sunnyside app.

7. Stay in Touch With Your Provider

Naltrexone is not a “set it and forget it” medication. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, track changes in your drinking patterns, and attend follow-up consultations. Your provider can help adjust your treatment plan, manage side effects, and make sure you’re getting the most benefit from the medication.

What the Research Says: Is Naltrexone Worth It?

The short answer is yes.

Naltrexone is one of the most studied medications for alcohol use disorder, with decades of research showing that it can help people reduce cravings, drink less, and lower their risk of returning to heavy drinking.

The strongest evidence comes from a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA. Researchers analyzed 118 clinical trials involving nearly 21,000 participants and found that oral naltrexone significantly reduced the likelihood of returning to heavy drinking. The authors concluded that oral naltrexone should be considered a first-line medication for alcohol use disorder.

Those findings align with earlier reviews and meta-analyses, which consistently found that naltrexone can reduce drinking frequency, heavy drinking days, and alcohol cravings, particularly when combined with behavioral support.

One of the most influential studies in the field was the COMBINE trial, which followed 1,383 people receiving treatment for alcohol dependence. Participants who received naltrexone alongside medical management achieved better drinking outcomes than those who received a placebo, helping establish naltrexone as a core evidence-based treatment option.

Researchers have also found that naltrexone can begin reducing cravings relatively quickly. In one study of people receiving residential treatment, participants taking naltrexone experienced faster reductions in craving intensity than those receiving the treatment program without the medication.

No medication works for everyone. But across dozens of reviews, hundreds of studies, and tens of thousands of participants, the overall conclusion remains remarkably consistent: naltrexone works, especially when paired with behavioral strategies that help people build new drinking habits over time.

Is Naltrexone Effective for Light Drinkers?

While most naltrexone research has focused on alcohol use disorder, studies suggest the medication can also reduce alcohol’s rewarding effects in heavier social drinkers and people who want to cut back before their drinking becomes more problematic.

Because naltrexone works by reducing the reinforcement people receive from alcohol, many experts believe it may be useful across a spectrum of drinking behaviors, not just in severe alcohol dependence. That said, people with more frequent cravings or heavier drinking patterns often experience larger measurable benefits in clinical trials.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Naltrexone?

Naltrexone does not cause physical dependence, so there is no withdrawal syndrome when you stop taking it. However, once the medication is out of your system, it no longer blocks alcohol’s rewarding effects. What happens next depends largely on what else has changed about your habits and lifestyle while you were taking it.

Some people find that the healthier habits, coping strategies, and reduced drinking patterns they developed during treatment continue after they stop. Others notice that cravings gradually return, particularly if they stop taking naltrexone before new behaviors have had time to become established.

Research suggests that some of naltrexone’s benefits can persist for a period after treatment ends, but those effects often diminish over time. This is one reason many experts recommend combining medication with behavioral support. Programs like Sunnyside Med pair naltrexone with coaching, tracking tools, and a supportive community designed to help members build sustainable changes in their relationship with alcohol.

Importantly, there is no scientific consensus on the ideal length of naltrexone treatment. Clinical guidelines commonly recommend at least several months of use, and some people choose to continue taking it for a year or longer, depending on their goals and progress.

Rather than viewing naltrexone as a short-term fix, it may be more helpful to think of it as a tool that creates an opportunity for lasting change. The medication can make it easier to drink less, but the habits, routines, and coping skills you build along the way are often what determine long-term success.

Is Naltrexone Right for You?

Deciding whether to try naltrexone is a personal decision — one that depends on your goals, habits, lifestyle, and the kind of support that works best for you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay. The key is to reflect on where you are right now and what kind of help will actually move you forward. Here’s what to consider:

1. Start with Your Doctor

Before anything else, talk to a medical provider. They’ll help determine whether you’re a good candidate for naltrexone based on your health history, any medications you’re taking, and your current relationship with alcohol. It’s important to be open about your goals — whether you’re aiming to cut back, take breaks, or stop drinking altogether — so they can recommend a plan that’s aligned with what matters most to you.

2. Reflect on Your Goals

Ask yourself:

• Where am I right now with drinking?
• Where would I like to be in 30 days? 6 months? A year?
• Am I looking for a quick reset or a longer-term change?

Naltrexone can be a helpful tool, especially if you experience strong cravings or tend to drink more than you intend. But it’s most effective when used alongside behavioral support like coaching or therapy, and it’s not meant to be taken forever. Consider whether you’re open to adding structured support now or later.

3. Understand Your Patterns and Traits

Some people are more prone to impulsive decisions, binge episodes, or difficulty stopping once they start drinking. If this sounds familiar, naltrexone might help by dampening the brain’s reward response to alcohol, making it easier to hit pause.

But it’s not just about biology — your emotional patterns, stress levels, and habits all play a role. So think about how you typically respond to urges and whether you feel like you need extra help interrupting that cycle.

How to Make Naltrexone More Effective: 5 Tips for Success

Research consistently shows that naltrexone works best when it’s part of a larger behavior change plan. Here are five ways to get the most from treatment.

1. Stay Consistent

The most effective naltrexone protocol is often the one you can follow consistently.

Whether your provider recommends daily dosing or taking naltrexone before drinking, adherence matters. Studies repeatedly show that people who take the medication as directed achieve better outcomes than those who miss doses or use it inconsistently.

Tools like reminders, habit tracking, and coaching can make a meaningful difference. Sunnyside Med members, for example, can set medication reminders and track their progress directly in the app.

2. Build a Support Network

Research consistently links social support with better outcomes during behavior change. Friends, family, therapists, support groups, coaches, and online communities like Sunnyside can all play an important role.

Changing your relationship with alcohol is easier when you don’t have to do it alone.

3. Track Your Progress

People tend to improve what they measure.

Tracking drinks, cravings, triggers, and wins can help you identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Even simple awareness often leads to better decision-making over time.

4. Focus on Small Lifestyle Changes

Lasting change rarely happens overnight.

Research on habit formation suggests that small, manageable actions are often more sustainable than dramatic overhauls. Consistent sleep, movement, stress management, and nutrition can all support your alcohol-reduction goals.

5. Be Patient With the Process

Naltrexone is not an overnight cure.

Some people notice changes quickly, while others see gradual improvements over weeks or months. Giving yourself time to learn new habits while staying consistent with treatment often leads to the best long-term outcomes.

“The initial relief from cravings was great, but for me it was not an immediate fix, and my progress happened in stages,” one Sunnyside member said.

What Is the Sinclair Method (TSM) for Naltrexone?

The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a targeted approach to using naltrexone. Instead of taking the medication every day, people take it before drinking, typically one to two hours before their first drink.

The theory behind TSM is based on an idea known as pharmacological extinction. Because naltrexone blocks much of alcohol’s rewarding effect, repeatedly drinking while taking the medication may weaken the learned association between alcohol and pleasure over time.

Research supports the use of naltrexone in targeted, as-needed approaches, particularly for reducing heavy drinking and cravings. However, most naltrexone studies have focused on daily dosing, which means there is currently more evidence supporting daily use than there is for TSM specifically.

Is TSM or Daily Naltrexone Better?

There is no single answer as to TSM vs. daily naltrexone. Daily dosing can be easier for people who drink unpredictably, experience frequent cravings, or worry about forgetting to take the medication before drinking. Targeted approaches may work well for people with more predictable drinking patterns who can reliably take naltrexone before every drinking occasion.

What matters most is consistency. Naltrexone only works when it’s in your system. Whether you choose a daily or targeted approach, following your prescribed protocol is often more important than the specific strategy itself.

Talk with your healthcare provider about which approach best fits your goals, lifestyle, and drinking patterns.

Naltrexone Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I drink while taking naltrexone?

It’s safe to drink while taking naltrexone; however, practitioners don’t typically recommend it. It’s also important to have 3-7 alcohol-free days before starting, otherwise, the medication can’t work as well. In general, if abstinence isn’t going to work for you and you want to reduce, taking naltrexone can still be helpful (but starting it while alcohol-free for a few days is key).

Be aware that there may be some side effects, like nausea or stomach discomfort. Also, alcohol in high amounts while taking naltrexone can risk the liver as well. 

How long does naltrexone take to work?

It depends on the person, but the effects of naltrexone might start working within a matter of hours to a few days. However, it can take a few weeks of consistent use to get its full benefits, like fewer cravings and better control. There may also be a naltrexone honeymoon period.

In addition, many practitioners (and anecdotes) support the idea that naltrexone should be taken for at least 6-12 months to truly see the biggest benefits. Given its high degree of safety, generally few side effects, and easy daily compliance, this is fairly easy to achieve.

What happens if I miss a dose of naltrexone?

If you miss a dose of naltrexone, take it as soon as you remember — unless it’s already time for your next dose. Don’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed day. Missing a dose here and there shouldn’t have a huge effect, but consistency increases the medication’s effectiveness. 

Is naltrexone effective for everyone?

Naltrexone is effective for many, but it is not necessarily for everyone. It depends on how light or heavy your drinking is, and your unique brain chemistry. Some people might not respond or notice a difference. Plus, some groups of people shouldn’t take it, like those with liver issues, current opioid use, or certain health conditions — talk to your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you. 

Will I still feel buzzed if I drink while taking naltrexone?

This can be different for everyone. Generally speaking, naltrexone reduces (but usually doesn’t completely stop) the euphoric effects of alcohol, so drinking simply won’t feel as rewarding. In online discussions, you can often find people reporting that when on naltrexone, they have one drink socially, then have no desire to have any more. There may be a small buzz, but that pull to have more and more might be gone, thus giving the person more control over their decisions and behaviors. 

In other conversations, we’ve read that it’s “possible” to drink past naltrexone’s effects to some degree. For example, if you choose to binge drink on naltrexone (not recommended), you may be able to feel some degree of euphoria, but it may be uncomfortable or unenjoyable. 

It’s important to understand that alcohol is a depressant, so it can still affect your body by impairing your judgment, coordination, and other functions. For example, you might still slur, stumble, and react slowly. Naltrexone might reduce your desire for alcohol, but it doesn’t stop its physical effects — which is why driving while drinking is still completely prohibited. 

Is it safe to take naltrexone long-term?

Yes. Naltrexone is considered safe for long-term use. In fact, many studies show the best results when it’s taken consistently for 6–12 months or longer. Some people stay on it for years, while others taper off once they’ve made meaningful changes in their habits. It’s best to review this plan with your provider.

Can I take naltrexone only on the days I drink?

Yes, this is called targeted or as-needed dosing, and it’s the foundation of the Sinclair Method. The idea is to take naltrexone 1–2 hours before drinking to reduce alcohol’s reward, gradually retraining the brain. This can work well for some people, especially those who don’t drink every day. However, daily dosing, which is what Sunnyside Med uses, is still the most widely studied and often preferred for people with more regular drinking patterns or impulsivity.

How does naltrexone compare to other medications for alcohol use?

Naltrexone is one of several FDA-approved medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It’s generally best for people who want to cut back or quit gradually. In comparison:

• Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence, especially after detox
• Disulfiram (Antabuse) causes unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent

Naltrexone is often considered a first-line option because of its safety, flexibility, and tolerability for people who still want to drink occasionally.

Can I use naltrexone just for moderation, not quitting?

Yes. Although naltrexone is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder, many people use it to drink less rather than stopping completely. In fact, much of the research on naltrexone focuses on reducing heavy drinking days, alcohol consumption, and cravings rather than achieving total abstinence.

Naltrexone can be prescribed as part of a moderation-focused approach, particularly when paired with behavioral support and clear drinking goals. This is the approach used by programs like Sunnyside Med, which combines medication with coaching, tracking tools, and habit-building support designed to help people drink less over time. For many people, reducing alcohol’s rewarding effects makes it easier to cut back naturally and build healthier drinking habits.

If moderation is your goal, talk with your healthcare provider about whether naltrexone is appropriate for your situation.

Is naltrexone the same as Antabuse?

No. Naltrexone and Antabuse (disulfiram) are two different FDA-approved medications that work in very different ways.

Antabuse creates an immediate physical reaction if you drink alcohol while taking it. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and rapid heartbeat. Its effectiveness relies on helping people avoid alcohol altogether.

Naltrexone does not make you sick if you drink. Instead, it works by blocking some of alcohol’s rewarding effects in the brain, which can reduce cravings and make drinking feel less compelling over time.

Because of this difference, naltrexone is often used by people who want to reduce their drinking, while Antabuse is generally prescribed for people pursuing complete abstinence.

How long should I take naltrexone?

There is no single recommended timeline that works for everyone.

Clinical guidelines commonly recommend taking naltrexone for at least several months, and many experts suggest continuing treatment for 6 to 12 months or longer if it remains helpful. The right duration depends on factors such as your drinking patterns, cravings, goals, side effects, and overall progress.

Research suggests that people often benefit from staying on naltrexone long enough to establish new habits and coping strategies around alcohol. Stopping too early may increase the likelihood that old drinking patterns return.

The best approach is to work with your healthcare provider to regularly evaluate your progress and decide together when it makes sense to continue, taper, or stop treatment. Many people find the greatest success when medication is paired with behavioral support, coaching, or other tools that help reinforce lasting change.

Naltrexone is a prescription medication. This content is educational and should not be taken as medical advice. A licensed clinician reviews every Sunnyside Med application.

Sunnyside is the Perfect Companion for Your Naltrexone Journey

Sunnyside is the #1 mindful drinking app. Since 2020, we’ve been honing our harm-reduction approach and have helped over 400,000 people cut out 22 million drinks from their baseline habits. 96.7% of our members report success in drinking less, and in a third-party study, our approach was demonstrated to reduce weekly drinking by 33% after 12 weeks. 

Think of Sunnyside as the front door for anyone who wants to change their relationship with alcohol. If you want to drink less, we can help you get there. If you want to eventually quit, but want to take a gradual approach, we can make that happen.

When you sign up for Sunnyside, you’ll take a quick 3-minute quiz, then hop into the app. It’s as simple and quick as that. 

We’ll give you weekly plans to gradually reach your drinking goals, and we’ll provide nudges, coaching, exercises, and advice to help you get there. 

We have daily tracking and journaling tools, including the option to chat with a real human coach at any time. And our state-of-the-art analytics help you track your progress over time. 

Sunnyside is a full-featured mindful drinking app. Naltrexone will actively help you reduce cravings around alcohol, and Sunnyside will help you understand your triggers and patterns, giving you a healthy system for habit change. 

If you choose to stop taking naltrexone, the Sunnyside app remains a tool you can keep using to maintain your healthy habits. 

Everyone who signs up for Sunnyside gets a free 15-day trial. After that, the subscription is $8.25/month.

Whether you’re currently taking naltrexone or just doing some research on alcohol moderation, we’d love to have you sign up for our 15-day free trial today.