Does Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Work for Alcoholism?

Hear from Ria Health Nurse Practitioner Isaiah Cruz on whether or not low dose naltrexone works for treating alcoholism
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Ria Health delivers evidence-based care that includes medications, one on one support, a digital app, and progress tools. We support people who want to either reduce or stop drinking with the care of an expert medical team and community support.
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[@wotiluv]

What is considered LDN -Low dose naltrexone is 10mg and under and for most people the sweet spot is 4.5. This low dose has not shown to work for alcohol dependence. Because LDN helps your body to regulate endorphins and most addicts’ endorphins release mechanism is faulty LDN could help achieve sobriety if one was to seriously work a program like AA or other support groups and /or therapy. Everyone is different but regular dose 50 mg and up is what’s shown to work for alcoholics.

[@chrismellblom7443]

I have a question that I cannot seem to find an answer to. I have been taking around 17-18 mg of naltrexone (50 mg pill cut up), I still receive some minor nausea as a side effect that is unpleasant. I am sure this is because I drink more sporadically and not often...thus my body never gets use to the medication because I do not take often. However, my drinking is very under control and the medication works great. My question is: If I take 12 mg (roughly 1/4th of pill) and still have my drinking under control and feel it working....is this ok to still receive extinction? I know that that dose is low, but I am very sensitive to side effects. Basically as long as my drinking is under control it should be working right? Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. I started at 50 mg -- worked great but large side effects I started 25 mg (worked great but still too many side effects Went to 17/18 mg (works great but still a little bit of side effects. Can I try 12 (which is the lowest I would go) to see if it still works great like the above...but with less side effects and receive extinction? Thanks.

[@RiaHealth]

This is definitely a great question to ask your personal provider! In our program, we have seen people succeed at various doses that work for them. You definitely don't want the uncomfortable side effects as it may deter you from taking the medication at all.

[@wotiluv]

You should talk to your doctor about it but I personally would try a lower dose. I would start at 1 mg and work up which is what most doctors do for low dose Naltrexone treatment. I take it for pain , to reduce inflammation, as a mood stabilizer and to aid me in weight loss. And like you i began by splitting a 50 mg into quarters and it made me dizzy and nauseous but I noticed it took away my pain away for my lower back which was a miracle. so I split the quarter in half again that would be about 6.25 mg or so but that’s still a little too much maybe about 1 or 2 mg too much. I’ve shaved the 6.25 into a lower dose where it’s either 5 or 4 mg and that is perfect. No side effects and makes me feel amazing. I’m now going to try 4.5 mg which I’ve ordered for a compounding pharmacy and I think that is going to be perfect dose- I hope. 🤞 but definitely experiment with doses because that’s the whole thing about LDN - everyone must find their own personal Sweet Spot. That’s when the drug will help your body regulate endorphins release. That will make you feel good and not want to rely on outside substances to do that. Remember the drug works with your reward center. Addiction is all about that.

[@kabilan1242]

Is there an update?, i have the exact same issue with the side effects as you have . Does 12 mg works for you? Am thinking of going even lower .

[@stevecooper6515]

The therapeutic dose of naltrexone for The Sinclair Method is 50mg Naltrexone. Low Dose Naltrexone is ineffective for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.