Recent research continues to support a decades-old drug as an alternative way to reduce alcohol intake.
of prescription opioid pillsThe drug, called naltrexone, was first approved by the FDA in 1984 to treat opioid dependence. Ten years later, it was also approved for alcohol use disorder.
Naltrexone, in addition to the daily pill version, monthly injection therapyapproved for alcohol use disorder in 2006 and opioid use disorder in 2010.
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Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. For people addicted to opioids, experts say they block the drug’s “euphoric” effects and also suppress cravings for alcohol.
“Naltrexone can be used to suppress alcohol cravings and reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol consumption, which can reduce the amount of alcohol consumed in people who tend to binge drink,” Dr. David Campbell, clinical director and program director at Recover Together, a behavioral health and addiction treatment facility in Bend, Oregon, told FOX News Digital.
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Campbell said the drug is useful for people who experience strong cravings, who drink excessively once they start drinking, and who drink primarily for reward or relief rather than habit.
Jessica Steinman, clinical director at No Matter What Recovery in Los Angeles, says naltrexone is an “incredibly helpful, life-saving tool” for people suffering from alcohol use disorder.
“Right now in our society, many people are trying to get help with medication from overdosing on certain things and behaviors, including food, tobacco, and now alcohol,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“Naltrexone acts on the brain’s reward centers, blocking the rewarding effects of alcohol and minimizing cravings. It helps tell the brain that alcohol is undesirable.”
The drug can also help people who have a “healthy” relationship with alcohol and are trying to reduce their drinking behavior, Steinman added.
“We do not advocate moderation in any way for people suffering from alcohol use disorder or any type of dependence on alcohol or other substances,” she said. “We do not believe that ‘cutting down’ on drinking is the answer.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), common side effects of naltrexone include nausea and vomiting, headaches, trouble sleeping, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, loss of appetite, and joint or muscle pain.
These effects are generally mild and may improve as your body gets used to the drug.
In rare cases, patients may experience more severe symptoms such as liver problems, allergic reactions, and difficulty breathing. Impact on mental health.
“The most important thing when taking naltrexone for alcohol use is not to take it with opioids, because taking naltrexone while using opioids can cause rapid withdrawal, which is a very unpleasant event,” Campbell warned.
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According to CDC data, more than 50% of U.S. adults drink alcohol, about 17% are classified as binge drinkers, and about 6% are binge drinkers.
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Each year, approximately 178,000 people die in this country related to excessive alcohol consumption.
“Consumption of large amounts of alcohol and binge drinking can lead to many health problems and lead to chronic conditions. health condition What’s worse is that you can really improve your health by reducing your alcohol intake,” Dr. Donita Robinson, associate professor of psychiatry at the UNC School of Medicine in North Carolina, told FOX News Digital.
“Naltrexone helps many people reduce the amount of alcohol they drink. Naltrexone is an effective drug for reducing alcohol cravings and binge drinking, and is most effective when combined with counseling and other treatments.”
Robinson reiterated: opioid drugsNaltrexone, which contains some painkillers, should not be taken because it can block its effectiveness and cause opioid withdrawal.
Naltrexone is available with prescription Get an evaluation from a licensed health care provider, such as your primary care physician, addiction treatment specialist, or psychiatrist.
Health officials warn against buying the drug online or without a prescription because it may be counterfeit and unsafe.
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People who want to consider whether naltrexone is an option for them should see a doctor who can evaluate the drug’s safety based on the patient’s medical condition and medical history.
Patients also need to “make sure their goals and intentions are aligned before using these drugs,” Steinman said.
