A Long-Used Drug Is Helping People Cut Back on Alcohol
Naltrexone has been shown to reduce alcohol cravings. (Getty Images/creativeneko)
As health officials continue to tighten guidance around alcohol consumption, an old medication is gaining new attention. Naltrexone, a drug approved more than 40 years ago to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid dependence, is increasingly being used by people who don’t consider themselves addicted but want to drink less.
Rather than pursuing complete abstinence, many users are turning to naltrexone to moderate their drinking. According to National Geographic, one woman who previously consumed about 28 drinks per week reduced that number to roughly seven by combining the medication with tracking tools and scheduled alcohol-free days.
Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces alcohol’s rewarding effects and curbs cravings. Researcher Glenn-Milo Santos has described its growing popularity as similar to “the Ozempic for alcohol.”
The drug is available as a daily pill or a monthly injection. In parts of Europe, it has long been prescribed for “targeted use,” meaning it’s taken before anticipated drinking. Research suggests this approach can lower binge-drinking days, total alcohol intake, and cravings, with benefits that can last months after treatment.
Despite this evidence, naltrexone remains underused in the United States, with fewer than 10 percent of people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder taking it. Increased awareness of alcohol-related health risks has helped fuel new direct-to-consumer services such as Sunnyside and Nurx, which pair naltrexone prescriptions with coaching or habit-tracking apps. These services market themselves to people who want to cut back—such as weekend binge drinkers or nightly wine drinkers—before their habits escalate.
Supporters say this lower-barrier approach helps people seek help earlier. Critics argue that app-based care may fall short of comprehensive medical oversight and overlook other treatments, such as counseling. Specialists emphasize that naltrexone is just one option and that its rising use reflects a broader shift toward addressing heavy drinking sooner rather than later.
Side effects are generally mild and may include nausea, headaches, or sleep disturbances. Doctors caution that people with liver disease, those who are pregnant, or individuals taking certain medications should consult a healthcare professional before using naltrexone. Experts also warn that it should not be taken by anyone using opioids, as it can trigger sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms.
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