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Naltrexone Shown to Help People Who Binge Drink

<p>Naltrexone Shown to Help People Who Binge Drink</p>
Dr. Constance Odom, MD Picture of Dr. Constance Odom, MD

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Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 8 min read

A medication that is already on the market may help people who binge drink, according to new research.

A new study published in December in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that taking naltrexone prior to an expected episode of binge drinking, as opposed to taking it daily, can help curb the amount of alcohol consumed.

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids in the brain. It can also reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol, which makes it a useful tool in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Several studies have shown that naltrexone can be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of binge drinking episodes in people who have alcohol use disorder. One study found that naltrexone reduced the number of drinks per week and the number of binge drinking episodes per month in participants with alcohol use disorder.

However, it is important to note that naltrexone is not a magic bullet for treating alcohol use disorder. It is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, support groups, and other medications. Additionally, naltrexone may not be suitable for everyone, and it can have side effects such as nausea, headache, and fatigue.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder or binge drinking, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. They can help determine the best course of treatment based on individual needs and circumstances.


This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.