If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a pill to stop drinking alcohol, the answer is yes: prescription medicines can help. Some people want to cut down from a bottle of wine every evening to an occasional glass. Others want to stop drinking completely and become alcohol-free.
The good news is that medication, combined with appropriate support, can help people work towards either goal.
One medicine used in alcohol dependence treatment is naltrexone, which can reduce alcohol cravings and support abstinence.
Can You Take a Tablet to Stop Drinking Alcohol?
Yes. Several prescription medicines are used to treat alcohol dependence in the UK, including naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram.
These medicines work differently.
Naltrexone acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, helping reduce the rewarding effects associated with alcohol. This can make drinking less appealing and help some people manage cravings.
Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone does not deliberately make you sick if you drink alcohol.
Importantly, naltrexone can be used as part of a treatment plan aimed at stopping drinking completely, not simply reducing consumption.
Can Naltrexone Help You Stop Drinking Completely?
Yes. Naltrexone is an established treatment option for alcohol dependence and may help people maintain abstinence after stopping drinking.
For someone whose goal is complete sobriety, naltrexone can be prescribed alongside psychological or behavioural support.
Other people use a targeted approach, sometimes called the Sinclair Method, where naltrexone is taken before anticipated drinking. This approach focuses initially on reducing alcohol’s reinforcing effects and may help some people progress towards abstinence.
You do not have to settle for drinking less if your personal goal is to stop drinking altogether.
Your treatment should reflect your circumstances, health and preferred outcome.
Naltrexone 25mg vs 50mg: What’s the Difference?
Naltrexone treatment commonly involves two dose levels.
Naltrexone 25mg
A 25mg dose is often used initially to assess tolerability before increasing treatment.
Some patients report improvements in cravings or drinking behaviour while taking 25mg. A clinician may occasionally recommend remaining on a lower dose when clinically justified.
Naltrexone 50mg
50mg daily is the maximum dose recommended in UK clinical guidance for alcohol dependence treatment.
It is commonly used within treatment plans designed to support abstinence.
The appropriate dose depends on medical history, side effects, treatment response and the prescribing clinician’s assessment.
How Long Does Naltrexone Take to Work?
Some people notice changes in cravings relatively early, while others need longer to assess their response.
Naltrexone is not an instant cure for alcohol dependence.
Progress may involve drinking less frequently, experiencing fewer cravings, having more alcohol-free days or maintaining complete abstinence.
Treatment works best when combined with practical strategies for changing drinking habits.
Is It Safe to Stop Drinking Suddenly?
If you drink heavily every day or experience withdrawal symptoms, stopping alcohol abruptly can be dangerous.
Symptoms such as shaking, sweating, severe anxiety or morning drinking may indicate physical dependence.
In these circumstances, seek medical advice before stopping. Naltrexone does not prevent dangerous alcohol withdrawal.
Naltrexone also requires clinical screening, particularly for opioid use and certain liver conditions.
What If You Want to Stop Drinking for Good?
The first step is deciding what you want your relationship with alcohol to look like.
For some people, that means fewer drinking days. For others, it means never drinking again.
Both goals deserve professional support.
At The Drink Less Method, we believe treatment should be personalised rather than assuming everyone wants the same outcome.
Whether you’re exploring alcohol reduction or hoping to become completely alcohol-free, understanding your options is an important first step.
Ready to make a change? Explore The Drink Less Method and learn about the support available to help you achieve your drinking goals.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Prescription treatment requires assessment by an appropriately qualified clinician. www.drinklessmethod.co.uk