Demand for naltrexone is growing rapidly in the United States. The inexpensive medication helps people reduce their urge to drink, and many social media users have started calling it the “alcoholic Ozempic”. According to personal accounts, alcohol stops producing the usual “pleasant reward”, because the drug blocks opioid receptors, removing the dopamine surge from drinking.
Naltrexone is not new. The FDA approved it for treating alcohol dependence in 1994, and even earlier for opioid addiction. Interest in the drug has surged again amid a massive problem: nearly 28 million Americans struggle with alcoholism, and 17% of adults binge drink.
Research shows that taking naltrexone about an hour before potential drinking helps reduce alcohol consumption or completely avoid it that day in 80% of cases. A pill bought in bulk costs around $1.60.
The medication exists in several forms: tablets, mint lozenges called Clutch, and a monthly injection for those who don’t want to remember daily use. Side effects are mostly mild — nausea and headaches that fade with adaptation.
Compared to other treatments, the profile looks gentle: acamprosate requires medical supervision due to depression risks, while disulfiram causes a severe reaction if a person drinks. On Reddit, many say they “regained control over alcohol”: some can leave a party early without slipping, others stop after one drink, and some forget the Friday craving entirely.