EnnHealth · Alcohol Use Care
The medication

Naltrexone, prescribed online

A non-addictive, non-controlled medication that has been used for alcohol use disorder since 1994. Prescribed by a board-certified psychiatric provider over secure video, sent to your local pharmacy.

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What naltrexone actually does

Alcohol triggers a release of endorphins that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. That binding is a large part of what makes drinking feel rewarding, and what makes the next drink feel compelling. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist — it occupies those receptors without activating them, so alcohol produces less of the reward it otherwise would.

The practical effect most people describe is not dramatic. It is that the pull weakens: the second drink is less automatic, and stopping is less of a fight. It has been FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder since 1994 and is supported by more than thirty years of research.

What naltrexone is not

One important safety check Naltrexone is not safe to combine with opioids, including prescription pain medication. Your provider screens for this and other contraindications during your evaluation. Individual results vary, and naltrexone is not a substitute for emergency or detox care.

Side effects, honestly

Most people tolerate naltrexone well. The common side effects — mild nausea, headache, sometimes trouble sleeping in the first week — usually fade within one to two weeks. They are most noticeable early and often improve by taking the dose with food. Your provider will talk through what to expect and what would warrant a change.

If you drink daily or heavily, read this first 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 your provider how much and how often you drink; that information shapes how treatment is started safely. If you are in medical distress, call 911.

How you get it

  1. Book an evaluation. 45–60 minutes by secure video. You will discuss your drinking, health history, and what you actually want to change.
  2. Get your prescription. If naltrexone is appropriate for you, it goes to the pharmacy you choose. Most people start within a week.
  3. Monthly check-ins. Short follow-ups to adjust the dose and talk through how it is going.

What it costs

Cash-pay — $149/month

  • Initial 45–60 minute evaluation
  • Naltrexone prescription, if appropriate for you
  • Monthly follow-up visits
  • Direct messaging with your provider

Medication is billed separately — generic naltrexone runs roughly $15–60/month at most pharmacies.

Insurance

  • Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Oscar, Ambetter, Medicare, Tricare, VA CCN, Carelon
  • Typical copay $0–$40 per visit

Benefit verification is required before your first visit — we confirm your coverage at no charge.

Ready when you are.

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. Naltrexone is routinely prescribed to people who are still drinking — reducing intake is a legitimate goal, not a lesser one. What matters is that your provider knows how much and how often you drink, because that affects how treatment is started safely.

No. Naltrexone is not a controlled substance. It produces no high, and stopping it does not cause withdrawal. This is one of the main practical differences between it and medications people are often more wary of.

Some people notice reduced cravings within the first week or two. For others it is more gradual and becomes clear over a month or so. Your provider will review progress at your follow-ups and adjust if needed.

Naltrexone does not cause a violent reaction to alcohol the way disulfiram does. Many treatment approaches specifically involve continuing to drink while the medication reduces how rewarding it feels. Your provider will discuss the approach that fits your goal.

Related

Alcohol treatment, entirely online Medication to stop drinking You can want to drink less Alcohol cravings are physiological Alcohol use disorder treatment Alternatives to rehab Alternatives to AA Check My Drinking

This page 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 medication is appropriate for you, after a full evaluation. Individual results vary. EnnHealth provides outpatient telehealth care and is not a detox or emergency service.