EnnHealth · Alcohol Use Care
Learn

Is Naltrexone Addictive?

No — and the reason why says something useful about how it works.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nageley Michel, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner  ·  Published 2026-09-09

No. Naltrexone is not addictive, is not a controlled substance, produces no high, and causes no withdrawal syndrome when stopped.

Why people ask

The question is reasonable, and it comes from a few directions. Naltrexone acts on opioid receptors, and "opioid" in the name of the mechanism understandably raises a flag. There is also a general wariness about treating a substance problem with another substance.

But acting on opioid receptors is not the same as activating them. Naltrexone is an antagonist: it occupies the receptor and blocks it. Addiction potential comes from activating reward pathways, and naltrexone does the opposite.

What happens if you stop

Nothing dramatic. There is no withdrawal syndrome and no rebound requirement to keep taking it. What returns over time is the reward response to alcohol that the medication was blunting — which is why the decision about when to stop is worth making with your provider rather than unilaterally.

The distinction that matters

Physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction are different things. Naltrexone produces none of them. Many people take it for six to twelve months and stop without difficulty.

If you drink daily or heavily Stopping suddenly after sustained heavy drinking can cause withdrawal that is medically serious — shaking, sweating, a racing heart, confusion, or seizures. Do not stop on your own to "get ready" for treatment. Tell a provider how much and how often you drink; that shapes how treatment is started safely. If you are in medical distress, call 911.
Safety check Naltrexone is not safe to combine with opioids, including prescription pain medication. A provider screens for this and other contraindications during evaluation. Individual results vary, and naltrexone is not a substitute for emergency or detox care.

Talk it through with a provider

A 45–60 minute video evaluation with a board-certified psychiatric provider. Same-week appointments are typical.

Book an Evaluation → Check My Drinking

Common questions

No. It is not scheduled by the DEA, which is why it can be prescribed via telehealth without an in-person visit.

No. Stopping naltrexone does not cause a withdrawal syndrome. Discuss timing with your provider so the decision fits your treatment plan.

Naltrexone is not associated with the tolerance seen with substances that activate reward pathways. It does not require escalating doses to remain effective.

Not accurately. Naltrexone produces no intoxication, no reward, and no dependence — it blocks a receptor rather than activating one. It is closer in character to other daily maintenance medications than to a substitute substance.

Related reading

Naltrexone for Alcohol: How It Works Can You Drink Alcohol on Naltrexone? Naltrexone vs Acamprosate: Which Is Right?

This article is general health information, not medical advice, and does not create a provider–patient relationship. Only a licensed provider can diagnose alcohol use disorder or determine whether a particular treatment is appropriate for you, after a full evaluation. Individual results vary. EnnHealth provides outpatient telehealth care and is not a detox or emergency service.