‘Ozempic for Drinkers’: Can Naltrexone Curb Alcohol Cravings?
A growing number of individuals are turning to a new pharmaceutical option – naltrexone – colloquially dubbed ‘Ozempic for drinkers’ – in their efforts to moderate alcohol consumption. With an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK already utilizing weight loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro, the search for effective moderation tools is expanding beyond food, now targeting alcohol use.
Naltrexone has gained traction on social media as a potential aid for those struggling with alcohol overconsumption. Like medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, it works by influencing the brain’s reward pathways, but instead of suppressing appetite, naltrexone aims to diminish the pleasurable effects of alcohol and reduce the urge to drink.
What is Naltrexone and How Does it Work?
According to Dr. Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical advisor for IQdoctor, naltrexone is a medication that “works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, which can help reduce the pleasurable effects associated with drinking alcohol.” She further explains that, when prescribed appropriately, naltrexone can lessen the desire to consume alcohol, making it easier for individuals to achieve their recovery goals.
While often referred to as ‘Ozempic for drinkers,’ Dr. Wylie emphasizes a crucial distinction: the two medications serve different purposes. Ozempic, a brand of semaglutide, is “primarily used for weight management and diabetes,” whereas naltrexone is an opioid antagonist specifically designed to reduce alcohol cravings and consumption.
Reducing Cravings and Preventing Relapse
Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp, clinical lead for both substance misuse and women’s health, explains that naltrexone’s effectiveness lies in its ability to reduce cravings and, consequently, lower both the “frequency and severity of relapse, especially in people committed to cutting down or quitting.” By diminishing the rewarding sensation associated with alcohol, the medication increases the likelihood of sustained abstinence.
Accessing Naltrexone: NHS vs. Private Options
Naltrexone requires a prescription, but can be obtained through both the National Health Service (NHS) and private healthcare providers. NHS GPs can assess a patient’s alcohol use and determine if the treatment is suitable, potentially referring them to specialist alcohol treatment services that may combine the drug with psychological support and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Misra-Sharp notes that a combined approach – medication alongside ongoing support and tailored therapies – is typically the most successful. Privately, naltrexone can be purchased for approximately £100 per month, or £3 per pill, following a consultation. However, some users find the cost is offset by reduced alcohol spending.
“Miraculous” Results for Those with Alcohol Dependency
It’s important to note that naltrexone is not intended for occasional drinkers seeking to moderate consumption during events like Christmas parties. Rather, it’s a potentially transformative option for individuals who regularly drink and have developed a more serious dependency.
One woman, Katie, who preferred not to disclose her surname, described the impact of naltrexone as “miraculous.” After the birth of her second child, she began drinking nightly, impacting her family life. Starting naltrexone a few months ago, she reported, “It’s doing something to my brain, I’m already drinking less, having far more sober days, and feel more mindful when I do drink. Looking back to where I was, I can hardly recognise myself now.” Her story was originally reported in the Daily Mail.
Other Treatment Options for Alcohol Consumption
Naltrexone isn’t the sole medical intervention available for excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Wylie adds that medications like acamprosate and disulfiram offer similar benefits. Acamprosate works to “restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that alcohol disrupts,” while disulfiram causes “unpleasant reactions” to alcohol, acting as a deterrent to excessive intake.
The Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Dr. Misra-Sharp highlights liver disease as one of the most significant dangers of overconsuming alcohol, noting it is the leading cause of liver disease in the UK. Many individuals are unaware of the damage occurring to their liver, as symptoms often manifest only in advanced stages of the disease.
Furthermore, alcohol is a known carcinogen, linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, and throat. Cancer Research UK emphasizes that alcohol-related cancer risk increases with even the first drink, with no “safe” level of consumption in terms of cancer risk.
Excessive alcohol consumption also negatively impacts heart health, potentially leading to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease. While moderate drinking has been linked to some cardiovascular benefits, the risks associated with excessive intake are substantial.
If you are concerned about your drinking, resources are available. You can contact Drinkaware for more information and support.
