Month: December 2020

Anyone can be susceptible to the risks of binge drinking. If you have binge drinking tendencies, you are not alone. Our CEO & Co-Founder Mike identified as a binge drinker, which ultimately motivated him to seek treatment, and go on to build Monument. While binge drinking is  most commonly discussed as it relates to college students, the dangers and long-term effects are relevant to all age groups. The CDC reports one in every six U.S. adults binge drinks approximately four times a month and consumes about seven drinks per binge. It also claims binge drinking is highest among a younger (ages 18-34) demographic and is twice as common among men than it is among women.

However, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health conducted a study about how binge drinking behaviors have changed over time, which showed that the greatest increase in binge drinking behavior was among women without children, ages 30-44. The trend of binge drinking among this group doubled from 21 percent to 42 percent over a 12-year period.

Regardless of age group, the effects of frequent binge drinking are harmful and take their toll on people at different stages in life in various ways. Looking at it from a situational perspective rather than a demographic one, peer pressure is often the main factor in binge drinking in young adults, while high stress and life challenges can lead to excessive drinking habits as a person ages. If either scenario rings true to you, you are not alone. And you can make a change.

First, it’s helpful to understand the primary risks and long-term effects of binge drinking, and inversely, how changing your habits can prevent them. Potential risks include:

• Impaired vascular function
• Liver and other organ damage
• Memory lapses and blackouts
• Drunk driving and other risky behaviors
• Heightened tension within interpersonal relationships
• Alcohol dependency

Impaired Vascular Function

A research study led by the University of Chicago, Illinois evaluated how the risks of binge drinking impaired vascular function among college students, ages 18-25. The study found that binge drinking has negative effects on vascular functioning. Binge drinking was identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death. This supports increasing evidence on the dangers of binge drinking alcohol and how it negatively affects the heart.

John Hopkins Medicine addresses the various ways excessive alcohol consumption can lead to heart problems, including high blood pressure or heart failure. It can also lead to cardiomyopathy, a disorder that weakens the heart muscle, and long-term effects of binge drinking may be a contributor to obesity. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health adds to this by highlighting that statistically, people who routinely binge drink are 72 percent more likely to have a heart attack than those that do not.

Liver and Other Organ Damage

In addition to the heart, binge drinking poses short- and long-term effects on the liver, brain, and other organs. From 1999 to 2016, U.S. annual deaths from cirrhosis of the liver increased by 65 percent and death from liver cancer doubled, with the greatest increase in mortality among people ages 25-34, according to research led by the University of Michigan and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

One of the first noticeable effects of binge drinking is the decline of cognitive functioning. Unrestrained consumption of alcohol in a brief period of time doesn’t allow the body to metabolize alcohol fast enough. This leads to side effects, such as slurring, slower reaction time, short-term memory loss, and other damage to the brain. Another danger is alcohol poisoning, which alters the heart rate, body temperature, and can result in seizures or trouble breathing.

Memory Lapses and Blackouts

Gaps in memory due to intoxication are referred to as blackouts. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are two types that can occur. Fragmentary blackouts are when a person experiences spotty memories and missing periods of time that occur when drinking alcohol. En bloc occurrences are characterized as complete amnesia when memories don’t form and normally are unable to be recovered.

Either of these may occur when a person’s blood alcohol concentration is above approximately 0.16 percent and happen more frequently when alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly. Since the CDC defines binge drinking as “a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 or above,” this type of heavy drinking behavior can easily result in memory lapses or complete blackouts.

Continuing to consume alcohol past this point may not always result in a blackout, but still leads to other dangerous side effects.

Drunk Driving and Other Risky Behaviors

The CDC reports 29 people in the U.S. get in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes every day. Moreover, the Washington University School of Medicine says excessive alcohol consumption poses an increased risk for a person to experience or participate in violence, including physical assault, and is linked to unsafe sex practices and increased risk of contracting STDs and HIV/AIDs, or unintended pregnancy.

The act of binge drinking can quickly have a domino effect. For example, drinking and driving could result in legal problems, which in turn leads to financial issues, problems at work, and other stressful situations. If you’re here now, you might be interested in exploring how drinking less can give you more, and taking more ownership over your decisions and life. That’s incredibly admirable, and we’re here to support you along the way.

Heightened Tension Within Interpersonal Relationships

The dangers of binge drinking can begin to take a toll on how you interact with others. This includes friends, family members, romantic partners, and colleagues. Since drinking impedes regular functioning and critical thinking, it can inhibit your ability to function fully at home, work, and in your day-to-day life.

Consider your relationship with alcohol and how you’d like to alter it for the sake of your health, safety, and overall well-being. Although you may not drink on a daily basis, binge drinking is measured by how much you drink in a given time. The long-term effects of binge drinking can have just as much impact as consuming alcohol several days  per week.

Alcohol Dependency

Everyone reacts to alcohol differently and many don’t realize their behavior is classified as binge drinking. It’s often perceived as an intermittent indulgence or action that doesn’t detract from daily life in the same way drinking on a daily basis or to the point of passing out does. However, one of the major effects of binge drinking can be alcohol dependency.

Over time, binge drinking and other excessive drinking behavior cause the body to build up a tolerance to alcohol. The amount necessary to feel buzzed or intoxicated continues to increase, causing a person to drink more, which can eventually lead to alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

How to Be Cautious of Binge Drinking Habits

Social pressures and everyday stressors often play a role in excessive drinking behavior, and  can occur at any life stage. Taking note of your particular habits, including when and how often you drink, can help shed light on why you drink. From there, you can start making any necessary behavioral changes.

Changing your drinking habits may feel challenging, especially if there are co-occuring mental health conditions  that haven’t been addressed. Fortunately, there are active ways to create a healthy relationship with alcohol by moderating or abstaining. Long-lasting  moderation or sobriety can be achieved through a variety of tools and resources tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Modern Treatment for Binge Drinking

Monument provides personalized, evidence-based online alcohol treatment including alcohol therapy and medication to stop drinking or cut back. We connect you to physicians and therapists specialized in helping people change their drinking habits to come up with a sustainable plan that aligns with your goals and preferences. Your Care Team will empower you to  reshape your relationship with alcohol in a way that positively changes your drinking habits and allows you to maintain accountability and control while learning how to stop binge drinking.

With a combination of specialized counseling, an anonymous peer community network, and physician-prescribed medication, we meet people where they are and get them to where they want to be.

Through our online support forum, your identity remains anonymous while you connect with others who are navigating similar challenges and triumphs. Whatever changes you’d like to make when it comes to your relationship with alcohol, we have treatment that’s been proven to work and accessible support to guide you every step of the way. Everyone deserves the opportunity to get more out of life by drinking less, and we can do it together.

Sources: 

1. Columbia School of Public Health. “Moms Are Binge Drinking More, But So Are All Adults, https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/moms-are-binge-drinking-more-so-are-all-adults.” Accessed Dec, 8. 2020.
2. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. “Binge Drinking Impairs Vascular Function in Young Adults, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109713015866?via%3Dihub.” Accessed Dec, 8. 2020.
3.  Hopkins Medicine. “Alcohol and Heart Health: Separating Fact from Fiction, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/alcohol-and-heart-health-separating-fact-from-fiction.” Accessed Dec, 8. 2020.
4. Harvard School of Public Health. “Binge drinking linked with higher heart attack risk, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/binge-drinking-linked-with-higher-heart-attack-risk/.” Accessed Dec, 8. 2020.
5. NIAAA. “Interrupted Memories: Alcohol-Induced Blackouts, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/interrupted-memories-alcohol-induced-blackouts.” Accessed Dec, 8. 2020.
6. The BMJ. “Mortality due to cirrhosis and liver cancer in the United States, 1999-2016: observational study, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2817.” Accessed Dec, 8. 2020.
7. CDC. “Binge Drinking, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm.” Accessed Dec, 8. 2020.

Binge drinking is defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as occurring after consuming four or more alcoholic beverages in women and five or more in men on the same occasion on at least one day in the past month. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 26 percent of adults reported excessive drinking in the past month.

Binge drinking can quickly spin out of control despite best efforts to drink in moderation or stay sober. If you’re struggling to cut yourself off after a couple of drinks, you are not alone. For many, binge drinking isn’t only a matter of self control. There are many factors that influence our relationship with alcohol, including social factors, genetic predispositions, mental health conditions, and beyond. There are many scenarios in which a few drinks with your friends can quickly lead to excessive alcohol consumption, which has both short- and long-term effects on your physical and mental health. Learning how to stop binge drinking is possible, and may involve reshaping your relationship with alcohol by making behavioral changes, setting goals, and seeking effective treatment.

If you’re wondering how to stop binge drinking, read on for our helpful guide to changing your behaviors.

12 Tips to Stop Binge Drinking

1. Make Behavioral Changes 

A key part of learning how to stop binge drinking is identifying the environmental factors that surround it. Start by asking yourself a few questions: 

• What activities do I partake in that often lead to heavy drinking? Can I stop doing these activities, or reduce their frequency? Are there certain circumstances that have led to increased binge drinking? 
• What other biological, psychological, or social factors might be perpetuating my excessive drinking habits? 

By recognizing your drinking patterns, you can begin to take the necessary steps to stop binge drinking and start making behavioral changes that promote a healthier relationship with alcohol. And you don’t have to do it alone. For many, working with a therapist on a specialized alcohol therapy program can be a really effective way to make a long-lasting change. In addition to your online alcohol treatment program, you can also make changes to your daily routine to help take control of  your relationship with alcohol.  

2. Refrain from Drinking on an Empty Stomach

Drinking alcohol without having any food in your system can cause your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to rise quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define binge drinking as “a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s BAC to .08 or above.” While commonly this means five drinks for men or four drinks for women in a two-hour period, without any food to help absorb and break down the alcohol you can reach the .08 level much quicker.

3. Alternate Drinking Alcohol with Water

For every alcoholic drink consumed, drink a glass of water. This can help to maintain a lower BAC, reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning, and prevent impairments associated with intoxication, including hangovers. Choose a drink with lower alcohol content that you can enjoy over an extended amount of time, such as a glass of wine instead of a few shots right in a row.

4. Change Your Environment

Consider if you should avoid situations where heavy drinking is involved or limit your time with friends or places where binge drinking behavior is likely to take place. It’s easy to fall into the trap of peer pressure, regardless of your age group. If you’re around people who are excessively drinking, you’re more likely to be pressured to continue drinking, too. This is common among both work outings and celebrations.

If you want to stop binge drinking, make temporary changes to your environment, or implement permanent alternatives to activities that involve drinking in order to distance yourself from alcohol.

5. Set A Maximum Number Of Drinks In A Given Sitting

Reaching for a glass of wine or a beer may feel like an instinctual way to wind down the week. However, for some, one drink can quickly become three or four. While there’s no set number of total drinks that signifies a ‘drinking problem,’ there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, and the inability to control one’s alcohol consumption can be an indication of alcohol use disorder. Plus, the physical and mental effects of binge drinking are just as dangerous as any other type of unhealthy drinking behavior even if you don’t consume alcohol on a daily basis. To avoid binge drinking, consider setting a maximum number of drinks for yourself and having someone hold you accountable. If you find yourself continuously passing your limit, you may want to explore tools like medication to stop drinking, or personalized alcohol therapy. Checking in via an online alcohol support group is also a great way to practice accountability.

6. Create New Social Habits Sans Alcohol

Many people use alcohol as a “social lubricant” when getting together with friends and family. Meeting for a happy hour or partaking in a prolonged dinner with several bottles of wine may be part of the norm of your current lifestyle. As part of learning how to quit binge drinking, it’ll require exploring other social options that don’t involve an alcoholic drink. Going on coffee dates, hiking, participating in sports, and catching up over delicious alcohol alternatives are just a few of the ways you can still maintain social relationships without relying on alcohol as the binding factor. You might also be pleasantly surprised how alcohol-free socializing creates more meaningful connections.

7. Share Your Plan with Your Circle 

Communicate your intentions and goals to those with whom you surround yourself with the most. Let them know you’re focused on drinking less. Here are tips for telling your friends and family you’re getting treatment to change your drinking. You’ll likely be greeted with support and understanding. However, if anyone in your network  expresses negative feelings towards your desire to change your behavior, this gives you a chance to recognize potentially toxic behaviors in others that may not align with what’s best for you.

8. Set Personal Goals

Setting achievable goals is a great way to practice accountability and create lasting change. Align your goals to what you’d like to achieve with regards to your relationship with alcohol and your image of your ideal self. Monument treatment plans connect you with licensed physicians and therapists who can help you set goals based on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re considering quitting alcohol cold turkey, tapering off over time, or practicing moderation, your Care Team can help you set goals and identify safe and effective strategies to achieve them. Our next tip is an example of an achievable and attainable goal you can set to break free of binge drinking patterns.

9. Limit Number of Drinks Per Week

Consciously limiting how many drinks you consume each week is an act of mindfulness and self-care. Set a number and an end date when setting goals for reducing your alcohol intake. By starting smaller, you can build upon newly formed habits. For example, you can set a goal that cuts your number of drinks in half by the end of a three-month period. Calculating your alcohol consumption sheds light on patterns of when and how often you choose to drink. It can also be helpful to set goals with your therapist, and create a plan for achieving your goals.

10. Find Healthier Coping Mechanisms

Binge drinking can be a result of social pressure, but may also be a response to uncomfortable or unpleasant feelings. For example, people navigating co-occuring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression may seek alcohol to self-soothe and seek relief. While alcohol can provide temporary relief, it ultimately makes those negative feelings worse, and can create a cycle of binge drinking. If you’ve used alcohol to cope, there is no shame in that. You deserve better tools. Therapy is an incredibly effective tool for both changing your relationship with alcohol, addressing co-occuring mental health conditions, and learning to tolerate uncomfortable emotions without drinking.

11. Start a Healthy Habit As a Replacement

In addition to building new coping skills, you can replace rewards that involve alcohol with a healthy habit. (Spoiler: it can still feel rewarding!) Rather than end the week with a night out drinking, go for a walk, take a class, or enjoy a good book. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Schedule an at-home movie marathon. Reorganize your living space to make it more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for you. Start to shift your mindset to turning to other ways of entertainment and feel-good, celebratory moments.

12. Seek Effective Treatment for Binge Drinking

While binge drinking alcohol may not seem problematic because the occurrence doesn’t happen frequently, every time you binge drink, it poses a risk to your health. Bingeing has both short- and long-term risks, including alcohol poisoning, increased risk of a stroke or heart attack, and damage to the heart, brain, and liver.

It’s important to know that a binge drinking habit can be treated with evidence-based care. You can make a change to reduce those risks and lead a healthier life.

As you may already be aware, binge drinking alcohol also causes delayed cognitive function, memory loss, and can result in blackouts. The physical reactions of binge drinking can then lead to other incidents like driving accidents, physical violence, and problems with friends, family, and colleagues. The incidence of bingeing behavior also presents an increased risk for alcohol dependence and misuse.

Fortunately, binge drinking can be treated with holistic methods including community support, specialized alcohol therapy, and prescription medication to stop drinking. At Monument, we’ve brought all of these tools online so you can make progress on your own terms, and own time.

Get Community Support 

Self-reflection and intention setting are great tools to identify your path forward if you want to stop binge drinking and moderate your alcohol consumption or get sober. And you don’t have to go down the path alone. For many people, peer support and outside accountability are key tools in their treatment toolkit.

Monument’s anonymous forum connects you to other people navigating similar challenges. It’s a judgment-free community where you can feel comfortable asking questions and getting the motivation you deserve as you make progress with learning how to stop binge drinking.

Engage In Evidence-Based Methods

It’s easier to achieve a goal with the right tools, resources, and people to empower you along the way. The same goes for treatment for binge drinking. By working with therapists and physicians who are trained in treating unhealthy substance use, together you can create a customized plan that works toward your goals in a way that feels right for you. 

Monument plans support goals for sobriety and moderation. Your Care Team will recommend a combination of prescribed medication, alcohol therapy, and community support to get you from where you are to where you want to be.  

Go Online on Your Own Time

A modern, online approach allows you to receive guidance and support whenever you need it, and on your own schedule. Your life doesn’t have to stop while you make progress. (No in-person meetings or expensive rehabs required.) This type of treatment allows you to change your relationship with alcohol in a way that’s easily accessible, and more affordable than most therapy options.

Taking action toward changing your relationship with alcohol is something to be proud of. We’re here to support you along the way, and empower you to get more out of life by drinking less. You can do this! 

Disclaimer: Our articles and resources do not constitute clinical or licensed therapy or other health care services. If you need counseling or therapy services please contact a licensed provider. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

Sources:

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help.” Accessed on Dec. 10, 2020.

If you think your relationship with alcohol has become unhealthy, you are not alone. The good news is that excessive drinking does not have to be permanent. Deciding that you want to cut down on your alcohol consumption is the first step towards developing a healthy relationship with alcohol that can transform every aspect of your life.

You might be wondering whether there is a medication to stop drinking that you can take to help you reach your goals for cutting back or getting sober. And while many people don’t know about these options, the answer is yes.

There are FDA-approved medication options that have been proven effective in reducing alcohol consumption. Naltrexone is a great option for people who want to reduce their cravings for alcohol, which naturally helps them reduce alcohol consumption and achieve goals for moderation or sobriety.

What is Naltrexone?

Even if you haven’t heard of naltrexone until now, the medication has been around for a long time. So what is naltrexone used for? Naltrexone was initially marketed in 1984 for the treatment of opioid use by reducing opioid cravings.

Based on naltrexone’s positive results as an opioid treatment method, it was not long before it was found to help treat  alcohol use disorder as well.

How Does Naltrexone Help People Drink Less?

Today, naltrexone is one of the leading medications used to treat alcohol use disorder. The ability of naltrexone to reduce alcohol consumption was initially observed in the 1980s. Since then, several clinical trials have demonstrated the ability of naltrexone to reduce alcohol dependency.

So what does naltrexone do to treat alcohol use disorder? Naltrexone can help you change your alcohol usage habits in two ways. It helps you either:

• reduce your alcohol usage
• abstain from drinking alcohol altogether

Currently, naltrexone is sold under the trade names Vivitrol and ReVia, among others. In addition, the medication is being marketed as naltrexone hydrochloride. Your physician can walk you through your options for naltrexone, including recommended dosage, when to take it, and what to expect.

While researching naltrexone, you might come across another related medication called naloxone. This medication is different from naltrexone and is not used to treat alcohol use disorder. Naloxone is a short-acting drug that works similarly to naltrexone, but it is only used to treat opioid dependence. Naltrexone functions in the body longer compared to naloxone and is better suited to treat alcohol use disorder. While both of these medications have been used in opioid dependence neither of them is an opioid medication so there isn’t risk of dependence or withdrawal upon cessation of the medication. They both work by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.

How Effective is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is effective in reducing alcohol consumption, and can also help prevent a setback from occurring while you are in the process of changing your drinking habits.

A review of 19 clinical trials examining the effect of naltrexone on alcohol use disorders found that short-term treatment of 12 weeks or less lowered the amount of total alcohol consumption and the number of drinks consumed per day. It also increased the duration of sobriety in people who took the medication, with a longer time taken to relapse during treatment with the naltrexone. While naltrexone can be effective even in shorter time periods, as mentioned above, your physician will likely recommend taking it for approximately one year to maximize your likelihood of achieving long-lasting goals.

Further studies have also shown that even if you experience a setback after the naltrexone treatment period is finished, the likelihood of resuming former habits of unhealthy alcohol use is lower.

These are all significant factors for someone who wants to overcome unhealthy alcohol consumption. Overall, naltrexone has been thoroughly analyzed in clinical studies and found to be a safe and effective way to help you change the way you use alcohol.

Naltrexone in Combination with Therapy

There are also studies that have shown the effectiveness of naltrexone in combination with specialty alcohol therapy, including cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI). CBI includes treatment modalities such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. All therapists on the Monument platform are proficient in these modalities. It’s been found that prescribed naltrexone with therapy like medical management (MM) or combined behavioral intervention (CBI) produced some of the best outcomes when it came to reduction of drinking.

However, medication may not be for everyone. We recommend you speak with your physician to help determine which approach will best achieve your goals.

How Does Naltrexone Work?

First, let’s take a look at how alcohol works in the body when consumed. Alcohol alters several neurochemical pathways in the brain and when ingested, it can reach the brain within just a few minutes. The feelings of euphoria or reward that you feel when alcohol is consumed are caused by how alcohol alters these neurochemical pathways. The brain’s major biological pathways affected by alcohol are called the glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and opiate systems.

Initially, alcohol stimulates the dopamine and opiate systems in the brain that give you feelings of craving, reward, and dependence when you consume alcohol. Research has shown that overuse of alcohol lights up these areas of the brain much more in people who overuse alcohol than in more mild drinkers. Natural substances, called endorphins, present in the brain are also released during intoxication with alcohol. These endorphins contribute to pleasure and dependency on alcohol.

The effects of alcohol on an individual’s brain also explain why drinking in moderation versus drinking in excess have such different effects on the body. A common question we get asked is – ‘is alcohol a stimulant or depressant?’ While low doses of alcohol can increase energy and feelings of pleasure through the release of dopamine in the brain, large amounts of alcohol have the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant. Excessive alcohol consumption causes drowsiness through the stimulation of a different neurochemical pathway (the GABA pathway) in the brain.

Naltrexone prevents endorphins from binding to the receptors in the brain when you drink alcohol. So instead of the short-term pleasure you feel when you drink caused by alcohol-stimulated endorphins and dopamine, you will feel less reward or pleasure after drinking alcohol with naltrexone.

Without any special feeling, you start to crave alcohol less. This helps you reduce the amount you drink, and some people are even able to stop drinking altogether  with the help of naltrexone.

Is Naltrexone Habit-Forming?

One of the most significant advantages of using naltrexone to reduce alcohol consumption is that naltrexone itself is not habit-forming. This means people can safely start and stop naltrexone without experiencing withdrawal symptoms of the medication. While there are many types of prescription drugs that can be habit-forming, when it comes to this prescription medication to stop drinking, naltrexone addiction is not something you have to worry about.

Does Naltrexone have Side Effects?

As with any medication, naltrexone has the possibility of causing some side effects. However, if side effects occur it is likely that they can be mitigated by adjusting when you take your medication, your dosage, and other controllable factors. Your physician can walk you through your options. The most common side effects of naltrexone are nausea and headache. During clinical trials, there were no cases in which patients stopped taking naltrexone because side effects were too severe.

Is Naltrexone Safe For Everyone?

Is naltrexone safe for everyone? Most people can take naltrexone, except for people with specific co-occurring medical conditions. Everyone should consult with a physician before taking naltrexone, and people with a history of liver disease should disclose this to their treatment provider before taking naltrexone because a high dose can be toxic to the liver.

To learn more valuable information about the effects of naltrexone treatment, check out our blog that explains what drinking on naltrexone is like.

Can People Abuse Naltrexone?

Per the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, naltrexone “is not habit forming or a drug of abuse. It does not cause users to become physically or psychologically dependent.”  Naltrexone is a non-controlled substance. Unlike controlled substances, which are more closely regulated by the government, naltrexone does not pose a risk of dependence. Naltrexone doesn’t produce the high or euphoria that may bee associated with other drugs used to treat substance use disorders, such as methadone or suboxone. 

While naltrexone is very low risk in terms of misuse, it can only be prescribed by a licensed physician. At Monument, you’ll meet with a physician to see if naltrexone is safe and appropriate for you. 

Can You Overdose on Naltrexone?

Overdosing on naltrexone is extremely rare. Naltrexone-related overdose is primarily caused by using opioids while also taking naltrexone. This can have potentially deadly consequences. 

That’s why it’s necessary to speak with a healthcare provider, share honestly about your health history, and follow any instructions about how and when to take naltrexone. In most cases, naltrexone is taken as a one-time a day medication in the form of a 50-mg pill. In some cases, naltrexone is taken only prior to consuming an alcoholic beverage, as part of The Sinclair Method. 

Is Naltrexone Right for Me?

Naltrexone is a great tool for many people who are looking to change the way they consume alcohol, especially when paired with online alcohol therapy and a supportive community. Many clinical studies support this, and it’s important people know about this option. Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, and can be treated effectively with a medical solution.

That’s why the Monument approach includes medication, like naltrexone, as a tool in your treatment toolkit.

How Do I Get a Naltrexone Prescription?

Naltrexone requires a prescription from a licensed physician. Some in-person primary care physicians prescribe naltrexone, while others don’t prescribe it due to a lack of familiarity. At Monument, you can meet via video call with a qualified physician highly experienced in prescribing medication to stop drinking. If your physician deems naltrexone safe and appropriate for you, they will write you a prescription. Then, you can get your medication delivered directly to your door. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how naltrexone can work for you, we encourage you to join the free Monument Community where you can hear about naltrexone experiences from other members. We can also connect you to a licensed physician as part of our alcohol treatment program to discuss your options.

If you decide medication isn’t for you, you can explore other treatment options like support groups and a personalized alcohol treatment program. We’ll work with you to customize a plan that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle, and helps you reach your goals for sobriety or moderation. You can do this!

Sources:

1. The New England Journal of Medicine. “Naltrexone for the Management of Alcohol Dependence, https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMct0801733?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed.” Accessed Dec, 10. 2020.
2. SAMHSA. “Chapter 4—Oral Naltrexone, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2565602/.” Accessed Dec, 10. 2020.
3. NIAAA. “Naltrexone, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64042/.” Accessed Dec, 10. 2020.
4. University of Munich. “Opioid antagonists for alcohol dependence, https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/combine/faqs.htm.” Accessed Dec, 10. 2020.
5. National Library of Medicine. “A Systematic Review of Naltrexone for Attenuating Alcohol Consumption in Women with Alcohol Use Disorders, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154349/.” Accessed Dec, 10. 2020.
6. Psychiatry. “The COMBINE Study, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2945872/.” Accessed Dec, 10. 2020.

Important Safety Information

Naltrexone has the capacity to cause hepatocellular injury (liver injury) when given in excessive doses. Naltrexone is contraindicated in acute hepatitis or liver failure, and its use in patients with active liver disease must be carefully considered in light of its hepatotoxic effects. In the treatment of alcohol dependence, adverse reactions include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, abdominal pain/cramps, nausea and/or vomiting, low energy, joint and muscle pain, headache, dizziness and somnolence. This is not a complete list of potential adverse events associated with naltrexone hydrochloride. Please see Full Prescribing Information for a complete list

Prescription medication that reduces the feeling of reward or pleasure after you drink can be a very effective tool that many people aren’t aware of. One of the most common medications for treating alcohol use disorder is called naltrexone. Many people use naltrexone to combat alcohol cravings and reduce their intake, while others use it with the goal of achieving and maintaining complete sobriety. No matter your goal, you might be wondering what you may experience while drinking on naltrexone. To answer this question, it’s important to understand how naltrexone works. Below, find medically-reviewed answers to common questions about naltrexone:

• What Does Naltrexone Do When You Drink Alcohol?
• How Soon Does Naltrexone Start Working?
• What Happens if You Drink While on Naltrexone?
• Do You Still Feel Drunk While Taking Naltrexone?
• Can Drinking on Naltrexone Make You Sick?
• Is Naltrexone Treatment Right For You?

What Does Naltrexone Do When You Drink Alcohol?

Naltrexone limits your ability to feel rewarding or pleasurable effects after drinking alcohol, and thus reduces your craving for it. The way naltrexone treatment works is by altering what alcohol does to your brain. Normally, alcohol stimulates the release of biological molecules, called endorphins, in the brain that make you feel that happy and euphoric feeling when you drink. Naltrexone belongs to the class of drugs called opioid antagonists. An opioid antagonist blocks endorphins from binding to their receptors, so you no longer feel the same feelings of elation when you drink. Therefore, it’s important to note that when drinking on naltrexone, you may not feel the same pleasurable effect you used to feel when drinking alcohol. Naltrexone is used in medication assisted treatment to treat both alcohol dependence and opioid use disorder. For the purpose of this resource, we’ll be specifically discussing naltrexone and alcohol consumption. 

How Soon Does Naltrexone Start Working?

With Monument’s online alcohol treatment program, you’ll connect with a physician who will prescribe medication if they deem it safe and appropriate based on your medical history and goals. It’s important to let your physician know about any preexisting physical or mental health conditions, as well as any additional medications you’re taking. They will also be able to let you know if you’re showing signs of alcohol dependency, and are at risk for alcohol withdrawal.

If prescribed naltrexone, your physician will likely dose naltrexone at the FDA-recommended daily dose of 50 mg. Naltrexone’s duration of action is approximately 24 hours. Therefore, an individual will have a therapeutic dose throughout the day.

In general, oral naltrexone is absorbed well by the body, making it very effective for most people who take it. Once you take naltrexone, the medication reaches its maximum effect in about one hour, so it begins working very quickly. If you don’t experience the naltrexone benefits immediately, don’t get discouraged. You can discuss your experience with your healthcare provider, and they can provide suggestions to improve results. While naltrexone therapy can be effective alone, many people see the greatest benefit when combining medication assisted treatment with counseling and behavioral therapies. Also, if naltrexone isn’t right for you, you might explore other medication options such as disulfiram.

What Happens if You Drink While on Naltrexone? 

A common question is whether or not it is harmful to drink alcohol while taking the medication. The short answer is this: while there is no risk of a dangerous reaction between naltrexone and drinking alcohol, naltrexone does not prevent the negative effects of alcohol use, such as judgment impairment, slowed thinking and worsened motor skills, among others. Naltrexone also does not address withdrawal symptoms. 

How naltrexone works is by lessening the experience of pleasure from drinking. This does not mean that the alcohol you consume will not affect you. Drinking on naltrexone still subjects you to the same types of psychological and behavioral risks of drinking without naltrexone. Since naltrexone prevents you from feeling the same way you usually do when you drink alcohol, it can be difficult to realize that you are intoxicated. So, to be safe, you should still avoid activities that you normally would not do when you drink, like driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that rely on motor skills and coordination of movements.

While it doesn’t counteract the negative side effects of drinking, naltrexone does reduce alcohol craving, and is an effective tool for ultimately reducing your alcohol intake and living a healthier life. This stems from your brain creating lower feelings of reward and pleasure when alcohol is consumed. As for many others, one of our members shared seeing success with naltrexone treatment to slowly reduce alcohol intake. Over time, the pleasurable effect decreased and deliberate alcohol consumption turned into healthier habits or no drinking at all.

Do You Still Feel Drunk While Taking Naltrexone? 

Drinking while on naltrexone is unlikely to make you feel the same level of intoxication or ‘buzz’ you experience when drinking without it. 

However, when drinking on naltrexone, the alcohol can still:

• impair your judgment
• impair your ability to think and perform actions normally 

Keep this in mind if you reach for a drink while taking naltrexone. 

People who drink alcohol after taking naltrexone have described the feeling as lacking the ‘buzz’ generally associated with alcohol intake, with some people describing it as drinking any other beverage.

Can Drinking on Naltrexone Make You Sick? 

You might be wondering what it feels like to take naltrexone and drink alcohol. This medication will not make you feel sick if you drink alcohol while taking it. 

In contrast, another medication used to treat alcohol use disorder, disulfiram, increases alcohol sensitivity when consumed. This increased sensitivity can cause you to become very ill, as disulfiram causes the same effects of a hangover almost immediately after alcohol is ingested. Naltrexone does not have the same effect. 

Clinical trials have shown that naltrexone is safe and well-tolerated when taken while still drinking.

How Does Taking Naltrexone Make You Feel?

While naltrexone is generally well tolerated, how you feel while taking it can vary by individual. Some people may have no adverse reaction from naltrexone at all, while others may experience side effects such as nausea and headaches. Fortunately, side effects can often be managed or mitigated with the guidance of your healthcare provider by adjusting dosage or when you take medication, among other factors. Some people may notice that their cravings for alcohol plummet almost immediately after starting naltrexone, while for others it takes weeks or months to reap naltrexone’s benefits. 

People typically experience fewer alcohol cravings while taking naltrexone because it blocks the “euphoric effects” of alcohol. Some people also describe a “full” sensation if they drink alcohol while taking naltrexone, curbing their desire to drink more.

What Are the Risks of Drinking on Naltrexone?

Naltrexone doesn’t have many risks or dangerous interactions with other medications. However, you should speak to your healthcare provider to understand how naltrexone may impact you. It’s important to note that naltrexone should never be mixed with opioids, as this interaction can have deadly consequences. While it’s safe to combine alcohol and naltrexone, it’s important to keep in mind that naltrexone doesn’t prevent the risks associated with alcohol consumption, such as reduced motor skills and impaired cognitive abilities.You can still get intoxicated while drinking on naltrexone, which is why it’s important to take precautions, such as not operating a vehicle. Psychologically, you may notice that you feel less buzzed than you typically would. In some cases, this lack of “buzz” can cause someone to not realize how much alcohol they’ve consumed, leading them to drink more than what’s healthy or safe. 

Can You Overdose on Alcohol While Taking Naltrexone?

If you consume dangerous amounts of alcohol while taking naltrexone, you’re at the same risk for alcohol overdose than if you weren’t taking the medication. Naltrexone doesn’t prevent the physical side effects associated with consuming alcohol, or reduce your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Instead, it reduces your cravings for alcohol. Those who drink alcohol primarily for its physical side effects, not mood-altering effects, may not feel naltrexone is as effective for them. 

In some cases, naltrexone can also have toxic effects on the liver. Therefore, combining naltrexone with excessive amounts of alcohol, which also damages the liver, can impair your liver function and lead to liver complications. Those with prior liver issues should consult their doctor before taking naltrexone.

How Long Do Patients Take Naltrexone?

The average duration of medication assisted treatment varies by individual. You and your doctor will discuss a timeline that makes sense for you, and this can change over time. That said, most people take naltrexone for at least 12 weeks, and many physicians recommend taking naltrexone for 12 months or more. It’s important to remember that naltrexone is neither a quick fix nor a miracle pill, and can take time and the support of other tools to reach its maximum effectiveness. For example, naltrexone is typically more effective when used in combination with alcohol therapy. The good news is that there doesn’t seem to be any danger of using naltrexone in the long-term, particularly if it’s done under the supervision of a physician.  

How to Use Naltrexone to Reduce Drinking

Many people drink because it provides them with a feeling of pleasure, euphoria, or relief. Naltrexone is an effective tool for reducing alcohol consumption because it makes drinking less pleasurable. Naltrexone prevents the endorphins released when drinking from binding to receptors in the brain, blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Drinking without this sense of elation or euphoria ultimately becomes less appealing, and over time, people often experience fewer cravings and drink less or not at all. 

What to Know Before Using Naltrexone

Before you begin using naltrexone, it’s important to talk to your physician about your health history and current medications to determine if naltrexone is safe and appropriate for you. It’s also helpful to know that it may take time for your alcohol cravings to lessen after you start taking naltrexone. Building your sobriety toolkit with other methods of support, such as alcohol therapy or alcohol support groups, are great steps to take as you begin naltrexone treatment.

Naltrexone Side Effects

Common side effects of naltrexone include headache and nausea. That said, naltrexone is generally well-tolerated. If you experience side effects from naltrexone, you can discuss your dosage with your physician and make adjustments to help mitigate any negative effects. You may decide to take a smaller dose, or change the time of day in which you take naltrexone. Many people also find that symptoms reduce with time.  

Is Naltrexone Treatment Right For You?

How do you decide whether naltrexone is right for you? You don’t have to make this decision alone. At Monument, we connect you to a licensed physician to discuss your options. They will learn about your medical history, preferences, and goals, and let you know what is safe and appropriate. If medication isn’t right for you for any reason, don’t be discouraged. You can achieve your goals with the support of other alcohol treatment options like community support and specialized therapy. 

We understand that finding the right approach to change your drinking habits can be challenging, and we’re here to connect you to expert clinicians to guide you along the way. You can do this! At Monument, you can connect with a physician online to discuss if medication to stop drinking is right for your recovery journey, and get ongoing care. 

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine. “Efficacy and safety of naltrexone and acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol dependence: a systematic review, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15200577/.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2020.
2. National Library of Medicine. “Evidence about the use of naltrexone and for different ways of using it in the treatment of alcoholism, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11139409/.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2020.
3. National Library of Medicine. “Naltrexone for the Management of Alcohol Dependence, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2565602/.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2020.
4. JAMA Network. “Pharmacotherapy for Adults With Alcohol Use Disorders in Outpatient Settings, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1869208.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2020.
5. Journal of Experimental Psychology. “Opioids and social bonding: Effect of naltrexone on feelings of social connection and ventral striatum activity to close others, https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fxge0000674.” Accessed on June 6, 2022.
6. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Answers to Frequently Asked Medication Questions, https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/combine/faqs.htm.” Accessed on June 6, 2022.

Important Safety Information

Naltrexone has the capacity to cause hepatocellular injury (liver injury) when given in excessive doses. Naltrexone is contraindicated in acute hepatitis or liver failure, and its use in patients with active liver disease must be carefully considered in light of its hepatotoxic effects. In the treatment of alcohol dependence, adverse reactions include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, abdominal pain/cramps, nausea and/or vomiting, low energy, joint and muscle pain, headache, dizziness and somnolence. This is not a complete list of potential adverse events associated with naltrexone hydrochloride. Please see Full Prescribing Information for a complete list.

The most common side effects of Disulfiram may include drowsiness, tiredness, headache, acne, and metallic-like taste in the mouth. Call your doctor if you have signs of serious side effects such as decreased sexual ability, vision changes, numbness of arms or legs, muscle weakness, mood changes, seizures, or confusion. Do not take Disulfiram if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you begin to have signs of an allergic reaction, then seek immediate medical attention. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medication, as it may lead to adverse side effects. Talk to your doctor about the history of your medical conditions including if you have or have had diabetes, underactive thyroid, brain disorders, liver or kidney disease, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs. Certain drug interactions may lead to serious adverse side effects. Let your doctor know about any other medications you are taking. This is not a complete list of potential adverse events associated with Disulfiram. Please see Full Prescribing Information for a complete list.