What is naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication primarily used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). It is non-addictive and works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing the euphoric and rewarding effects that substances like alcohol and opioids can produce. This makes it easier for individuals to reduce their alcohol consumption or abstain altogether. Naltrexone is not a cure for addiction but rather a tool that helps to manage cravings and reduce relapse rates when combined with other forms of treatment such as counseling, support groups, or therapy.