At BBH Psychiatric Services, a psychiatric practice serving Oregon and Washington, we are available for an initial evaluation within one week. Click HERE to request a consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to provide medical advice.
Naltrexone is a unique medication because it works differently than most people expect. Chemically, it’s an opioid receptor antagonist — meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. This reduces the “reward” you get from alcohol, food, or certain behaviors, making cravings easier to manage.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder and comes in two forms:
- Daily oral pill (50 mg)
- Monthly intramuscular injection (Vivitrol)
Both reduce cravings and the reinforcing pleasure from alcohol. Some patients use the Sinclair method, taking naltrexone only before drinking. This approach weakens the connection between alcohol and reward, helping break the cycle of drinking without daily medication.
Binge Eating and Weight Management
Naltrexone is also effective for binge eating disorder and can help with weight loss when combined with bupropion (sold as Contrave). The combination targets brain reward pathways, reducing cravings and the drive to overeat. Many patients find it easier to regain control over eating behaviors without feeling overly restricted or deprived.
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Inflammation
At very low doses (1–4.5 mg daily), naltrexone may help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. While this use is off-label and still being studied, it has generated interest for patients exploring autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions.
Side Effects and Safety
Most patients tolerate naltrexone well. The most common side effect is nausea, which often improves over time. Less commonly, it can cause headache, fatigue, or dizziness. Rarely, it can affect liver function, so monitoring is recommended for anyone with pre-existing liver disease or on higher doses.
Why Naltrexone Works
Naltrexone’s strength is in reducing reward-driven behavior. By blocking opioid receptors, it decreases the pleasure or reinforcement you get from alcohol, overeating, or certain addictive behaviors. This allows patients to focus on building healthier habits without feeling sedated or “dulled.”
Who Can Benefit
- Adults struggling with alcohol cravings or alcohol use disorder
- Patients with binge eating disorder who want help controlling food urges
- Those seeking support for weight management in combination with bupropion
- Patients exploring low-dose naltrexone for inflammatory conditions under medical guidance
When used thoughtfully and monitored carefully, naltrexone can be a safe, non-addictive, and highly effective tool. It’s not a magic pill — but it can make a meaningful difference in alcohol use, eating behaviors, and overall self-control.
At BBH Psychiatric Services, a psychiatric practice serving Oregon and Washington, we are available for an initial evaluation within one week. Click HERE to request a consultation.
