Medication to stop drinking or cut back

Yes, both medication options are FDA approved. Naltrexone is an FDA approved medication for those looking to reduce or stop drinking alcohol, and Disulfiram is an FDA approved medication for those looking to stop drinking alcohol.

While both medications can be prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), naltrexone and disulfiram interact with alcohol differently. Treatment providers will make the choice to prescribe naltrexone or disulfiram based on a patient’s preferences, medical history, and treatment goals.

Monument Medical Advisor James Besante, MD shares more about your medication options for treating alcohol use disorder here. For more information on naltrexone vs. antabuse (disulfiram), please email Monument’s support team and review our resource articles to learn more.

Your treatment provider will send your prescription to your pharmacy of choice. As a default, we will send your prescription to Amazon Pharmacy, which delivers your medication right to your door. If you’d prefer to send your prescription to another pharmacy, you can do so by updating your preferences here.

From SAMHSA: “When used as a treatment for alcohol dependency, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication. This allows people with alcohol addiction to stop or reduce their drinking behaviors enough to remain motivated to stay in treatment and avoid relapses. Naltrexone is not addictive.” Evidence for the Efficacy of Naltrexone in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism): “Naltrexone is not addictive and does not react aversively with alcohol.”

If you're experiencing increased levels of anxiety in the early days of sobriety or moderation, that is completely normal. Unhealthy drinking and alcohol misuse often co-occur with anxiety and can serve as a coping mechanism for anxious thoughts. So when you stop or reduce your alcohol consumption, it's common to feel more intense anxious feelings. Learning to manage negative emotions is one of the fundamental components of recovery, and you don't have to do it alone. If you’re navigating the alcohol recovery timeline, we encourage you to check out our therapist-moderated support groups and therapy options to help process those emotions. It’s also important to connect with a healthcare provider to discuss your risk for alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to possible alcohol dependency, and align on how to safely cut back.

Like any other physician-prescribed medication, it's possible you will experience side effects with naltrexone or disulfiram. All Monument treatment plans include personalized care from a physician well-versed in medications FDA-approved for alcohol abstinence or reduced alcohol consumption. They will work with you to understand any potential side effects and help you address them if they do occur. It's possible that side effects like nausea and drowsiness can be mitigated by adjusting when you take your medication, your dosage, and other controllable factors. Your treatment provider can talk you through your options, and you can also message them at any time with non-time sensitive questions. No waiting room or expensive alcohol rehab required.

Yes. Studies show that medication assisted treatment can be effective for those looking to reduce their alcohol consumption. Medications such as naltrexone for AUD are supported by randomized controlled trials, and are shown to reduce the risk of returning to any drinking as well as return to heavy drinking when part of a treatment program.

Monument's online alcohol treatment program includes multiple sources of support. Our medical experts recommend a combination of community, alcohol therapy, and medication to stop drinking or cut back.