Naltrexone: The Addiction Fighter That Also Helps You Skip Dessert?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is Naltrexone?
• How It Works in Addiction
• Naltrexone and Food Cravings
• The Low-Dose Naltrexone Trend
• Clinical Uses and Approval
• How Naltrexone Is Taken
• Side Effects and Precautions
• Real Patient Perspectives
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

When most people hear “Naltrexone,” they think of addiction treatment. And rightly so—this medication is a game-changer for those struggling with alcohol and opioids. But lately, another curious effect is being whispered about in clinics and wellness forums alike: it might help you say no to that second brownie. Or the first. In this article, we dive into Naltrexone’s primary role in addiction recovery—and its unexpected potential to curb food and sugar cravings.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a prescription medication classified as an opioid antagonist. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks them—essentially preventing opioids or alcohol from producing their usual euphoric effects.

Originally approved by the FDA in 1984 for opioid addiction, and later for alcohol dependence, Naltrexone is available in:

• Oral tablet form (usually 50 mg daily)
• Extended-release injection (Vivitrol, once monthly)

How It Works in Addiction

Naltrexone works by blocking the reward pathway triggered by alcohol and opioids. When you take these substances, they flood your brain with dopamine—a chemical linked to pleasure and reinforcement. Naltrexone prevents this surge, making the substance less “rewarding.”

This helps reduce cravings and the risk of relapse by breaking the feedback loop between use and reward. Over time, patients often report:

• Less desire to drink or use drugs
• More control over impulses
• Increased focus on recovery

Naltrexone and Food Cravings

So what about that cupcake? Turns out, food—especially sugary, fatty food—also triggers the brain’s reward system via endogenous opioids (your brain’s own feel-good chemicals). Naltrexone blocks these too.

This has led to growing interest in using Naltrexone to manage:

• Binge eating disorder
• Food addiction
• Obesity
• Sugar cravings

While not officially approved for these uses, some doctors prescribe it off-label or as part of combination therapies (like Contrave, which pairs Naltrexone with bupropion).

The Low-Dose Naltrexone Trend

Enter Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), a version of the drug taken in much smaller amounts—typically 1.5 to 4.5 mg daily instead of 50 mg. While full-dose Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, LDN may temporarily stimulate them before blocking, triggering a rebound effect that increases your body’s own endorphins.

LDN is being studied (and self-prescribed in some communities) for a range of off-label purposes:

• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Autoimmune conditions
• Appetite control and sugar cravings

The evidence is still emerging, but anecdotal reports are pouring in. Whether science will back it up remains to be seen.

Clinical Uses and Approval

Naltrexone is FDA-approved for:

• Opioid use disorder (only after detoxification)
• Alcohol use disorder (helps reduce heavy drinking days)

It’s often part of a comprehensive recovery program, including:

• Counseling
• Peer support
• Behavioral therapy

It does not treat withdrawal symptoms or block cravings completely—but it helps reduce the psychological “pull” of substances.

How Naltrexone Is Taken

The standard oral dose is 50 mg once daily. Some regimens may use 100 mg every other day or a higher dose every few days for flexibility.

The extended-release injectable form (Vivitrol) is administered once every 4 weeks by a healthcare provider. This is often used for patients who struggle with daily adherence.

Side Effects and Precautions

Naltrexone is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia or vivid dreams

Rare but serious risks:

• Liver toxicity (requires monitoring)
• Precipitated withdrawal if taken with opioids in the system

It should never be used in patients currently taking opioids—including cough syrup, certain pain meds, or buprenorphine—without full detoxification.

Real Patient Perspectives

Michelle, 40, says: “I started Naltrexone for alcohol. Not only did I stop drinking—I also noticed I wasn’t snacking at night like before. Dessert didn’t tempt me anymore.”

Carlos, 55, shares: “I take it once a month. I don’t feel high, but I also don’t feel obsessed with drinking or overeating. That mental space has changed everything for me.”

These stories show how the reward system affects many behaviors—and how Naltrexone can unexpectedly support them.

Final Thoughts

Naltrexone was designed as a recovery tool, but its reach may extend far beyond substance addiction. From helping people stay sober to helping others ignore the cookie jar, this unassuming blocker of pleasure is gaining traction in unexpected places.

If you’re considering Naltrexone—whether for addiction or food-related concerns—talk to your healthcare provider. It's not a magic pill, but for some, it’s a quiet revolution in how they relate to cravings, control, and choice.

And hey—if it helps you skip dessert and reclaim your health, maybe it’s a little bit of both.