Is It Safe to Mix Naltrexone and Alcohol?

While combining Naltrexone and alcohol may not be toxic to your body, it is not recommended. Medically, the combination usually doesn’t cause immediate dangerous side effects. However, doctors still strongly discourage it. This is because naltrexone is meant to help people reduce or stop drinking, and, along with other side effects, using both can make the treatment less effective.

“Is it safe to mix naltrexone and alcohol?” Talk to an expert if you are at risk of mixing the two. Call 844.445.2565 or fill out the form, and our staff will guide you through your treatment options.

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Highlights

• Naltrexone, available as a 50 mg film-coated tablet and injection, is a prescribed medication that blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and opioids.
• Drinking alcohol while on Naltrexone may not cause immediate side effects, but it is strongly recommended that individuals stop drinking before taking Naltrexone.
• There are certain risks and consequences, such as the possibility of heavy drinking, liver toxicity concerns, and delayed recovery, associated with mixing Naltrexone and alcohol.
• Drug Rehab programs incorporate Naltrexone in medication-assisted treatment, different levels of care, behavioral therapies, and aftercare support.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is an FDA-approved opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the “high” caused by alcohol and opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It is commonly available as a 50 mg film-coated tablet and an intramuscular injection (called Vivitrol for AUD). It also helps prevent relapse and supports long-term sobriety. Low-dose Naltrexone has shown promising results for the treatment of chronic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia (a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue), and autoimmune diseases.

If you have these chronic conditions and AUD, talk to an expert rather than mixing naltrexone and alcohol. Call 844.445.2565. 

How Does Naltrexone Interact With Alcohol?

Naltrexone’s interaction with alcohol has been part of the debate in the medical community. Below is a summarized version of this interaction so that the issue can be understood easily.

If you’ve taken Naltrexone earlier, avoid drinking, even hours later, because it’s hard to predict how long naltrexone stays in your system. Know what to avoid when taking naltrexone, because apart from alcohol, it may interact with other medications as well. 

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Risks and Consequences of Drinking on Naltrexone

The official Vivitrol (Naltrexone injection) website advises1 individuals to stop drinking before starting vivitrol. Combining alcohol with Naltrexone can lead to various risks and consequences, ranging from mild to severe. Below are some of the potential risks associated with drinking while on Naltrexone:

1. Increased Risk of Heavy Drinking

Naltrexone may block the pleasurable effects of alcohol, but it doesn’t fully block intoxication. Some individuals may drink more alcohol to feel the intoxicating effects. This can lead to excessive drinking.

2. Liver Toxicity Concerns

Just like alcohol, Naltrexone is processed by the liver. When individuals use both, it puts extra stress on the liver. If the liver is already weak or damaged from past alcohol use, this additional stress can cause liver injury. In rare cases, this can cause liver enzyme levels to rise2. This is also one of the reasons why you cannot get naltrexone over the counter. 

3. Falling Behind in Recovery

The combination of alcohol and Naltrexone slows down the recovery process. There is a risk of losing all the gains that you would have achieved during treatment. Continued drinking sends mixed signals to the brain, which can lead to longer recovery timelines.

4. Psychological Dependence Patterns

Even if you are taking Naltrexone, drinking alcohol can still keep old habits alive. You might still feel good while drinking, and it makes it harder to quit alcohol. You should remember that true recovery means healing both your body and your mind, not just taking a pill.

5. False Sense of “Immunity”

Some people mistakenly believe that taking Naltrexone makes drinking safe. This is also an impediment in the way that leads to complete recovery. Naltrexone should be considered a supporting medication, not a magic cure. 

What Should You Do If You Drank on Naltrexone? Quick Steps

If you drink on Naltrexone by mistake, you need to take certain steps, especially if you feel the side effects of the combination. The following is an overview of these steps:

1. Immediate Steps

If you have drunk on Naltrexone, stay calm and avoid drinking more. If you feel unwell, make sure that you are not alone. Focus on staying hydrated and contact a medical professional.

2. Talk to Your Treatment Provider

Tell your healthcare provider or rehab team what happened. They will ask you about the quantity of alcohol you consumed and check if there are any side effects. They will treat the side effects to ensure you are now risk-free.

3. Check Your Naltrexone Routine

It’s important to check whether you’re taking Naltrexone regularly and at the correct time. Your doctor or rehab team may ask, not judge, how the mistake happened, and how to prevent it next time. You should keep taking your medication because it will help you avoid cravings and stay consistent with your recovery goals.

How Rehab Programs Incorporate Naltrexone

Naltrexone is often included in a comprehensive treatment plan for alcohol use disorder, typically part of Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT). It is used with behavioral therapies and counseling to support long-term recovery. After initial treatment, Naltrexone may also be incorporated into aftercare planning to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. 

Below is a summary of how rehab programs utilize Naltrexone in the recovery process.

1. Medication-Assisted Treatment

A study by Murphy et al.3 (2018) found that Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be effective for treating alcohol use disorder. MAT combines FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram with counseling and behavioral therapies. It also helps reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

2. Different Levels of Care

Most rehab centers offer different levels of care, such as inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization. Naltrexone is often a part of all these treatment settings. How Naltrexone is used can depend on the person’s needs and the intensity of their treatment plan.

3. Behavioral Therapies

Naltrexone works best when combined with behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Individual, Group, and Family Therapy. While Naltrexone reduces the desire to drink, therapy helps people to avoid relapse in the long term.

4. Aftercare Treatment

Aftercare treatment refers to the period after an individual has completed primary treatment. It often includes educating individuals on how to avoid triggers, prevent relapse, and maintain a sober lifestyle. During aftercare, individuals may be regularly monitored to assess liver health and ensure the safe and effective use of Naltrexone.

Worried about the cost of treatment? Many insurance plans cover Naltrexone therapy—use our quick online form to verify your coverage in minutes. 

Naltrexone’s Role in Long-Term Alcohol Recovery

Naltrexone is often used after medical detox, which clears the body of the toxic effects, and the individual is no longer dependent on alcohol. At this stage, Naltrexone helps reduce cravings and blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol, making relapse less likely.

Naltrexone Alcohol Treatment at ChoicePoint Rehab In NJ

At ChoicePoint, we offer Naltrexone as part of our effective treatment for alcohol dependence. Our program combines this medication with personalized therapy and virtual care options for greater convenience. We offer naltrexone prescription online across NJ. Feel free to contact us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form. With medical supervision, Naltrexone can be a safe and effective step toward lasting recovery.

FAQs

If you want to dig a little deeper, here are a few more insights about Naltrexone and alcohol.

Is Naltrexone a controlled substance?

No, Naltrexone is not classified as a controlled substance because it carries no risk of addiction or misuse. Instead of causing a high, Naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and opioids by acting as an opioid antagonist. 

2. Can I start taking Naltrexone while already drinking?

It is generally recommended that you start taking Naltrexone after you have stopped drinking. This is why Naltrexone often becomes part of the treatment after the detox process is complete. Starting it while alcohol is still in the system may reduce its effectiveness.

3. Why would someone still drink while on Naltrexone?

Naltrexone blocks the pleasure people feel after drinking. However, it doesn’t erase the old habits. People may keep drinking for various reasons, including stress or routine. This is why therapy and support are also required to treat alcohol dependence.

4. Can Naltrexone help reduce binge drinking?

Yes, Naltrexone can help lower the urge to binge drinking. This is because Naltrexone reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol. With time, drinking may feel less rewarding, which helps reduce binge drinking. 

5. Will drinking on Naltrexone make me sick?

Medications such as disulfiram can cause nausea and vomiting when alcohol is consumed. But Naltrexone works differently, as drinking on Naltrexone doesn’t make you sick. However, it is recommended to avoid drinking while taking Naltrexone. This is because Naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol, which might lead some people to drink more to feel intoxicated. This can increase the risk of binge drinking and liver damage, especially in those with pre-existing liver conditions.

External sources

1. VIVITROL® (naltrexone for extended‑release injectable suspension) [Prescribing information]. (n.d.). Alkermes, Inc.
   Retrieved from https://www.vivitrol.com/
2. Naltrexone. (n.d.). In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug‑Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
   Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548583/
3. Lin, H.-J., Frisman, L. K., Swanson, J. W., & Swartz, M. S. (2019). Medication‑assisted treatment for alcohol‑dependent adults with serious mental illness and criminal justice involvement: Effects on treatment utilization and outcomes. American Journal of Psychiatry. PMC6032529.
   Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6032529/