How to Use Naltrexone HCl to Stop Alcohol Cravings

Naltrexon HCI is the full chemical name for the medication that’s been helping people overcome opioid and alcohol addiction for 20+ years by subduing the cravings that make use compulsive rather than controlled.

What You’ll Learn:

• What naltrexone HCI is exactly.

• How Naltrexone HCl works.

• The right way to take it

• How to combine it with behavioral strategies for lasting success.

Alcohol cravings can be one of the biggest obstacles to cutting back or quitting drinking altogether. Anyone who has ever struggled with alcohol use disorder (AUD) knows that the constant all-consuming thoughts about the next drink make it nearly impossible to keep drinking under control.

Although Naltrexone HCl has been known to curb alcohol cravings and has been FDA-approved for more than 20 years, many people are just now beginning to discover that it exists. As we have learned more about alcohol addiction and how it affects the brain, clinicians and rehab therapists have begun to expand what goes into a treatment plan. Today, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is beginning to be a common recommendation for helping people overcome substance use disorders (SUD). One of the medications that is regularly prescribed is naltrexone HCI.

Naltrexone HCI has been proven to help reduce alcohol cravings to reduce overall alcohol consumption, episodes of binge drinking and the risk of relapse for those who want to quit drinking entirely. But what exactly is naltrexone HCI and how is it used? That’s what this guide explains in an easy to understand way.

What is Naltrexone HCl?

Naltrexone HCl (hydrochloride) is the chemical name for the salt form of naltrexone. It’s an FDA-approved medication that’s designed to help individuals who are struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), chronic drinking or binge drinking.

It was first developed in 1965 for opioid use disorder, then gained FDA approval in 1984. But researchers and clinicians quickly realized that the mechanisms at play could be impactful for AUD as well because of how naltrexone interacts with reward pathways in the brain. After clinical trials specifically for alcohol use, naltrexone was approved for AUD treatment in 1995.

That’s right. The medication has been available for more than 30 years. However, many factors led to naltrexone staying under the radar. Today, as stigma surrounding alcohol use treatment declines and the use of medication-assisted treatments increases, more people are finding out about naltrexone.

Naltrexone is available in two main forms:

• Oral Tablets: 50mg tablets are the standard naltrexone dosage for alcohol use, but dosage can range from 25mg to 100+mg.

• Extended-Release Injection (Vivitrol): Higher dosage level that’s administered by a healthcare provider for opioid use disorder.

No matter what form it’s used in, naltrexone is a controlled substance that requires a prescription, which you can get through the Choose Your Horizon telehealth platform.

How Does Naltrexone HCl Reduce Alcohol Cravings?

Unlike other medications that are FDA-approved for alcohol use, such as disulfiram, naltrexone doesn’t create an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed. Instead, naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain when alcohol is consumed. This reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol and, in turn, decreases cravings over time.

When alcohol is consumed, the brain releases endorphins. Those endorphins activate opioid receptors and create a pleasurable, reinforcing effect. Over time, as this cycle is repeated, it can contribute to alcohol cravings and dependency.

By consistently using naltrexone so that it’s present in your system when you drink, many individuals find that their cravings gradually diminish, allowing them to take greater control over their drinking habits or quit drinking entirely.

How to Use Naltrexone HCl for Alcohol Cravings

Consult With a Qualified Clinician First

Naltrexone requires a prescription. A healthcare provider will determine if it’s the right fit for you based on your medical history and current alcohol use.

Take Naltrexone Before Drinking

You’ll need to take a 50mg tablet of naltrexone 1-2 hours before drinking so that it’s in your system and active before alcohol is consumed. Over time, this method is designed to “extinguish” cravings by rewiring the brain’s response to alcohol.

Use Daily for Abstinence Support

Since naltrexone remains active in your system for 24 hours, many people take naltrexone daily so that they are always covered. If your goal is complete sobriety, taking naltrexone once daily is the recommended method.

Pair With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Coaching

While naltrexone can be effective on its own, studies show that combining it with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), coaching or support groups leads to even better outcomes.

Monitor Your Progress

Keep track of your cravings and drinking habits to measure your progress. Some people notice a significant decrease in cravings within weeks, while others may take longer to experience full benefits.

Why Naltrexone HCl Works Best With a Holistic Approach

While naltrexone is an incredible resource for overcoming alcohol addiction, it works best when combined with a full recovery strategy. Some additional steps to enhance its effects include:

• Practicing Mindful Drinking – Being aware of why and when you drink can help identify emotional triggers.

• Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms – Find alternative ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation or hobbies.

• Seeking Professional Support – Working with a therapist or coach can help address underlying emotional and psychological triggers.

What to Expect When Taking Naltrexone HCl

• Reduced Alcohol Cravings – Many users report that alcohol becomes less desirable over time.

• Fewer Binge Drinking Episodes – Because alcohol is no longer as pleasurable, individuals tend to drink less.

• Possible Side Effects in the Initial Stages – Naltrexone side effects are rare, mild and usually short-lived as the body adjusts to the medication. The most common side effects include nausea, constipation and fatigue.

Where to Get Naltrexone HCl

Because naltrexone is a prescription medication, it must be obtained through a healthcare provider. You can:

• Visit your primary care doctor or an addiction specialist.

• Use telehealth services to get a prescription conveniently online and have the medication delivered to your location.

At Choose Your Horizon, we make it easy to get a naltrexone prescription online and receive personalized support from experienced professionals. The medication will be sent directly to you, and our clinicians are available to answer your questions, monitor your progress, make dosage adjustments as needed and provide additional resources that make your journey easier and more successful.

To get started, take the Alcohol Use Assessment. Within a few minutes your alcohol consumption habits will be analyzed to produce an Audit-C score and recommendations for meeting your goals.

Key Takeaways

• Naltrexone HCl is a powerful medication that can help stop alcohol cravings and support long-term recovery.

• Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain so that endorphins aren’t released and their isn’t a pleasurable buzzed feeling when you drink alcohol.

• Whether you choose to take it daily for abstinence or as part of The Sinclair Method, combining it with professional support and healthy lifestyle changes can increase your chances of success.

• Naltrexone is a prescription medication that can be obtained through an in-office physician or online through a reputable telehealth platform.