Naltrexone is a specifically designed medication to help men and women struggling with opiate addiction or alcoholism. Naltrexone works by blocking the euphoric effects – or the high – associated with substance use. This medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and deemed safe to use as part of a more comprehensive treatment program. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an important part of many treatment programs, especially if the individual has been struggling with a severe and life-threatening substance abuse disorder and has had little success staying sober long-term previously.
How Naltrexone Can Help With Alcoholism?
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we utilize evidence-based and scientifically approved medications as part of our recovery program whenever necessary – however, our utilization of MAT always varies on a person-to-person basis. We believe that it is important for our clients to learn how to stand on their own two feet when it comes to sobriety. While naltrexone can be extremely beneficial early on in the addiction recovery process, it does have the propensity to serve as a crutch if the individual who was initially prescribed this medication continues taking it for years after treatment concludes. Some people who are prescribed this medication still attempt to use their drug of choice or drink while actively taking it. Doing so is extremely dangerous, and can easily result in life-threatening complications. 
Can You Still Drink On Naltrexone?
If a person is struggling with a serious alcohol abuse disorder, he or she should undergo medically monitored detox and either inpatient addiction treatment, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient treatment before beginning naltrexone. This medication is not effective as a stand-alone treatment – for it to be beneficial long-term, it must be coupled with intensive psychotherapy and 12 step program involvement. It is unrealistic to expect that someone who has been suffering from alcohol dependence will simply stop drinking because he or she is prescribed naltrexone. Alcohol addiction recovery concerns much more than simply taking medication and hoping for the best. If you or someone you know and love has been struggling with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, seeking a long-term program of care is essential. Otherwise, the person in question will likely keep drinking – and drinking while on naltrexone can be extremely dangerous.
How Does Naltrexone Decrease the Effects of Alcohol?
In short, you can still get drunk on naltrexone, though you will not feel the effects of alcohol as you normally would. Naltrexone blocks the feelings associated with getting drunk. Most people who drink excessively do so because they enjoy the feelings of intoxication associated with drunkenness. When these feelings are blocked, drinking makes less sense – and so the person generally stops trying to drink and instead focuses on therapy, support groups, and whatever else they are experiencing as part of their recovery program. Still, some people drink while on naltrexone. These people get drunk, although they do not feel drunk. They cannot safely operate heavy machinery, drive a vehicle, or perform any other potentially dangerous activities.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Alcohol Abuse Recovery
Alcohol abuse and addiction are serious and widespread issues, and millions of innocent men and women lose their lives to alcohol-related issues on an annual basis. If you or someone you love has been struggling with alcoholism in any capacity, Evoke Wellness at Miramar is available to help. Our comprehensive alcohol addiction recovery program has quickly become one of the most reputable and recognized programs in Southern Florida. This is because our recovery program is extremely effective, but also it is highly integrated, individualized, and because it was carefully developed by some of the most experienced industry professionals in the country. We combine Medication-Assisted Treatment (utilizing medications like naltrexone when we see fit) with 12 step involvement and education, individual and group psychotherapy, holistic methods of healing a wide range of other evidence-based techniques. To learn more about our alcohol addiction recovery program or to get started with our simple admissions process, pick up the phone and contact us today.
