Naltrexone is an alcohol withdrawal medication that helps reduce cravings and maintain recovery. It does not treat acute withdrawal symptoms. However, it plays an important role in long term relapse prevention.
In this article, you’ll learn how naltrexone works in the brain, when it is prescribed and what benefits it offers during alcohol use disorder treatment. We’ll also cover how it differs from other alcohol withdrawal medications and what to expect if you or a loved one begins treatment with naltrexone.
Key Facts
- Alcohol withdrawal happens within hours after stopping heavy use, peaking at 24–72 hours and resolving in about a week.
- Naltrexone does not address acute withdrawal but supports recovery after detox.
- This medication blocks opioid receptors to reduce cravings and relapse risk.
- Safe use requires being opioid free, having stable liver function and completing detox.
- Oral (daily pill) and injectable (monthly shot) forms allow flexible treatment planning.
- Benzodiazepines and phenobarbital, not naltrexone, treat the acute withdrawal phase.
Nearby Alcohol Rehab Centers
Loading visitor information…
The Role Naltrexone Plays in Alcohol Withdrawal
Naltrexone plays an important role in alcohol use disorder treatment, but not in the way you may assume. The main purpose is to support long term recovery by lowering cravings and reducing the risk of relapse.
Alcohol Withdrawal 101
Alcohol withdrawal happens when your body reacts to the sudden absence of alcohol after heavy or prolonged use. Symptoms of withdrawal usually begin within 6 to 24 hours, peaking around 24 to 72 hours and resolving within 3 to 7 days.

Symptoms may range from mild anxiety and tremors to more severe complications like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).
Certain warning signs require urgent medical attention. These red flags include confusion, hallucinations, high fever, uncontrolled vomiting and severe tremors. If any of these occur, immediate medical care is critical for your safety.
Why Naltrexone Isn’t for Acute Withdrawal & Where It Fits After Detox
Naltrexone does not manage the immediate dangers of alcohol withdrawal. These include autonomic hyperactivity, seizures or other acute symptoms. These are commonly treated with medications like benzodiazepines or phenobarbital under medical supervision.
Using naltrexone in the early stage of alcohol withdrawal does not provide the necessary protection against serious risks. However, naltrexone plays a crucial role after detox, when the focus shifts from short term stabilization to long term recovery.
Naltrexone helps reduce cravings, lowers the number of heavy drinking days and supports ongoing sobriety. This makes it a valuable tool in relapse prevention and sustained recovery in alcohol use disorder treatment.
Call A Treatment Provider
For a conversation about what treatment options are available to you.
Make a Call
How Naltrexone Works and When to Start
Naltrexone is an important medication, but timing is key to its effectiveness. It should be introduced after detox, once your body is clear of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms have resolved.
Mechanism & Expected Benefits
Naltrexone works as a mu opioid receptor antagonist. They block your brain’s reward pathways that are normally activated by alcohol. By reducing the pleasurable effects of drinking, it helps weaken the urge to drink in response to triggers or environmental cues.
The benefits of this approach include fewer heavy drinking days, longer periods before relapse and improved outcomes when combined with counseling or structured therapy. Together, these effects make naltrexone a valuable tool in your long term recovery.
When to Start Naltrexone After Detox and Pre-Start Checklist
Beginning naltrexone too early can be unsafe and may interfere with proper recovery from the acute withdrawal phase.
Several criteria must be considered before beginning naltrexone, including:
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are fully resolved
- Confirmed opioid free to avoid severe withdrawal
- Thorough review of current medications and allergies
- Baseline liver function tests
- Comprehensive education to ensure safe and effective use
Options, Dosing and Choosing the Right Formulation
Naltrexone is available in oral and injectable forms. This allows you and your providers flexibility in customizing your treatment plan.
The appropriate option depends on factors like lifestyle, adherence and medical history. This highlights the need to consider common dosing approaches and key considerations to select the most effective formulation.
Oral Naltrexone (Typically 50 mg Daily)
Oral naltrexone is most often prescribed at 50 mg per day. However, administration can begin with a 25 mg test dose before titrating up. Taking naltrexone with food can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
This option is well suited as a first line trial since it is easy to start, stop or adjust the dosage as needed. However, it is critical that you consistently adhere to treatment since missed doses can limit the effectiveness and reduce the medication’s ability to curb cravings.
Extended Release Naltrexone (380 mg IM Monthly)
Extended release naltrexone is given as a 380 mg intramuscular injection once a month. This is a convenient alternative when you struggle with daily pill taking or prefer a long acting option. This formulation helps ensure steady medication levels and consistent support against cravings.
Before beginning treatment, your provider takes several precautions to reduce complications and make treatment more effective. These steps include:
- Screening for potential injection site concerns
- Confirming you are opioid free for an adequate period
- Reviewing full medical history
- Checking baseline liver function
- Education on what to expect during treatment
Choosing Oral vs. Injection
Deciding between oral and injectable naltrexone depends on several factors. These include adherence, access to care, insurance coverage, side effect tolerance and personal preference. The best choice varies by individual needs.
It’s important to consider logistics such as the ability to attend monthly clinic visits for injections. As well you should have plans for managing missed doses and whether transitioning between formulations might be helpful over time. A collaborative discussion with a provider ensures the most practical and effective approach.
Safety and Special Situations

Naltrexone is generally safe and well tolerated. However, certain health conditions and circumstances require extra caution. This section outlines key safety considerations and special situations where careful monitoring or alternative approaches may be needed.
Liver Safety & Monitoring
Naltrexone should not be used if you have acute hepatitis or liver failure. Baseline liver function tests (LFTs) are recommended before starting treatment. Periodic monitoring helps ensure continued safety during use.
Providers carefully weigh the risks and benefits when you have mild to moderate enzyme elevations. They educate you about the warning signs of hepatitis, such as jaundice, dark urine or abdominal pain. This proactive approach supports both safety and effective treatment.
Opioid Free Status & Pain Management Planning
Before starting naltrexone, individuals must be completely opioid free to avoid precipitated withdrawal. Once on treatment, the medication blocks opioid receptors, making opioid based pain relief ineffective.
For surgeries or procedures, advanced planning is essential. Non opioid pain management strategies should be prioritized. If opioids are absolutely required, coordination with specialists helps ensure safe and effective care.
What Treats Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal requires medications that directly calm the nervous system and prevent dangerous complications as the body detoxifies. These are first line medications that work differently from naltrexone, but are critical to recovery.
First Line Medications & When Inpatient Care Is Needed
The mainstay of alcohol withdrawal treatment is benzodiazepines, given either on a symptom triggered schedule or as fixed doses. A customized treatment plan based on evidence based measurement tools helps providers make accurate decisions about how medications are administered.
In some experienced settings, phenobarbital may be added for additional control. Supportive care is equally important. This includes thiamine before glucose, fluids and electrolytes and close monitoring of vital signs.
Inpatient care becomes necessary when there is a high risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Admission is recommended when there is a history of:
- Severe withdrawal
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens
- Unstable vital signs
- Pregnancy
- Limited support at home
Call A Treatment Provider
For a conversation about what treatment options are available to you.
Make a Call
Naltrexone Frequently Asked Questions
No, naltrexone does not manage tremors, agitation, blood pressure spikes or seizures.
These symptoms require evidence based withdrawal protocols, often with benzodiazepines or phenobarbital. Naltrexone is introduced after detox and stabilization to support long term recovery and reduce cravings.
Naltrexone is usually started once acute withdrawal symptoms are resolved. This commonly occurs between 3 to 7 days of abstinence.
Before beginning, your provider confirms you are opioid free and have acceptable liver function tests. Follow up visits help monitor your response and ensure the medication is well tolerated.
Always inform your care team that you’re taking naltrexone. For elective procedures, planning is essential.
Non opioid pain control is preferred. However, if opioids are necessary, they must be managed carefully by specialists. Naltrexone can be safely restarted once opioids are no longer required.
Find Treatment Near You
Finding the right treatment program for alcohol withdrawal is crucial to your long term success. Naltrexone plays a unique role in supporting sustainable recovery.
Use the treatment directory at Rehab.com to search for centers that match your needs. You can filter by location, level of care, accepted insurance and special programs to find the right fit.
Not sure where to start? Call today
800-985-8516
( Sponsored Helpline )
to talk with someone about available treatment options and learn whether your insurance covers alcohol rehab.
Top Rated Centers for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
| Name / Address / Rating | Description | Treatments / Payments / Programs | Review / Contact | Images | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avenues Recovery Center at Lake ArielAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Lake Ariel is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Lake Ariel, PA | Clients seeking treatment for alcohol addiction may be required to undergo detox first. As one of the best detox facilities in Pennsylvania, the process at Avenues Recovery Center ensures any abused substances are out of a client’s system and that they are in a healthy frame of mind when they enter residential treatment. Detox is overseen and | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (570) 354-6060 | I have been to my share of recovery centers and this place by far was the best . Staff was amazing 👏 the community was just unbelievable. Everyone cared about each other. I’m grateful for every one there . WOULDNT have asked for a better place . Thank you for everything ❤
Taylor
1 week ago
Amazing place. Great staff. Would recommend
Travis Murphy
1 week ago
EXCELLENT GROUP PROGRAMMING & INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING!!! If you’re serious about you’re recovery I highly recommend Avenues at Lake Ariel. Shout out to Val & Joe for the profound impact on the start of my recovery journey!
MELISSA BRANDT
3 weeks ago
|
5 5
|
1
Top 10 Rehab in AZ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.90 / 10 | Soberman’s Estate, located in Cave Creek, Arizona, is an alcohol and drug rehab center that provides addiction treatment services to adult men, professionals, and public figures. They are a discrete, luxury rehab for individuals aged 30 to 80 years old. This location caps their treatment center at ten men at a time. As one of leading inpatient re | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Soberman’s Estate was everything I needed for my recovery. The staff, the program, physical activity and culinary experience were top notch and essential. The program is well designed and worked better than I expected. The staff is remarkable – professional, considerate and genuinely caring. My time there and being removed from alcohol for five weeks was everything I needed to remove my craving for alcohol. Soberman has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I feel confident, secure and grateful for my new life. I have reconnected with my family and friends. Thank you Soberman.
George B.
7 months ago
Yes, very professional staff, treatment, therapist, chefs were good! even the home cook did the best she could, and loved the horses of Course! Saturday morning hiking was fun to explore the trails of the nearby mountain area!
John E Williams
7 months ago
I had a great experience overall and would recommend it to anyone wanted to jump start their sobriety!!
Kevin Crawford
7 months ago
|
5 5
| |
Baton Rouge, LA | St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center is an addiction rehabilitation facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The center opened in 1998 with the vision of offering affordable addiction treatment. They have a residential treatment program for men along with outpatient treatment services available to men and women. They view substance use disorder | Treatments Programs Payment Options | St Christopher was a wonderful experience for me to get sober, learn about Alcoholics Anonymous, and learn about the disease and about myself. The staff from the front office down were fantastic, before, during, and after treatment. I would recommend this place to anyone
Todd Landry
8 months ago
I have been a professional interventionist since 2010. I was introduced to this program in 2012. I have been referring there since then. My clients have always had a positive experience and the clinical and support staff are the most responsive and knowledgeable. They want what’s best for the client and the family and have long term options. They do very well young adult males and most recently I referred a 69 year old man first time treatment. It was a family member and he’s doing very well and committed to 90 days of treatment. I can’t thank the clinical staff and administrators enough for the program they have created. Please contact me if you would like to know more. Thank you STC!!!
asher levine
11 months ago
This is my first time doing IOP and I luv it Mike Ramos is the best my family even luvs him good person great attitude he as a way of wanting to do right and stay right and you can tell he is genuine about his job unlike miss star he as a way of teaching addiction were you understand it always keep Mike and his little dog brisket he’s a big part of Saint Christopher’s
Cedric Banks
1 year ago
|
5 5
| |
1
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | All In Solutions Detox in Simi Valley is one of the best ranked inpatient detox facilities in California providing safe, medically supervised care for individuals beginning their recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. As part of the All In Solutions Behavioral Health network, this facility serves as the first step in a full continuum of care. Cli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | I will recommend this facility to anyone who is in need of a care especially an addict. The staff here has excellent knowledge.
Shea
2 months ago
All in Solutions changed my life. The staff here is very friendly and heart warming. Jason my counselor guided me down a healthier, sober lifestyle. Silva is an angel and helped me along the way with my marriage. HepZ is an A++++++ and my buddy Conner helped me find my higher power. I would recommend All in Solutions to anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle and sobriety. Debbie and Anthony are Rockstars and run a wonderful facility.
Eric Boyer
2 months ago
This facility is awesome. The staff is so caring about everyone. I would definitely recommend All in solutions.
Deanna Flores
2 months ago
|
5 5
| |
Avenues Recovery Center at ClarksvilleAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Clarksville is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Clarksville, IN | Avenues Recovery Center in Clarksville, Indiana, is an inpatient drug and alcohol detox and rehab center. They strive to provide individuals receiving treatment with a loving environment and attentive medical care. You’ll be away from toxic environments and triggers and have the opportunity to focus on developing life skills that will support you | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (930) 203-1947 | This is definitely the best avenues i have been to (no shade indianapolis or fort wayne yall are awesome) but the staff here really does care and has made a huge impact for my recovery, the group facilitators are amazing and give you so much knowledge behind the disease of addiction and coping skills that you can utilize in your everyday life. The therapists here are great , personally my therapist Paige is the shit!! I’ve come so far with her help. Well, with everyone’s help! Its life or death for me and I chose life thanks to the amazing staff and ladies at avenues who loved me while I was learning to love myself. In a year, I hope to come back and work as a BHT. The case managers are the bomb , meeting with you within your first two days and getting your aftercare started! Shout-out to my case manager trent he’s awesome. Thank you avenues, I love you guys. And now I can say I love myself <3
Bri Joseph
1 month ago
I absolutely love this place
Shanna Niles
1 month ago
Avenues has been an amazing experience and has helped me in so many ways for my sobriety and has helped me with arranging aftercare as well
Katy Callis
1 month ago
|
4
|
1
Top 10 Rehab in TX
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | Symetria – Hurst Outpatient Rehab and Suboxone Clinic in Hurst, Texas, is a private drug rehabilitation clinic for adults. One of the best outpatient rehab centers in Texas, Symetria offers various withdrawal medications to help clients get started with their recovery journey. You’ll also have access to treatments such as the intensive outp | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Symetria is unbelievably amazing!!! The Hurst staff is phenomenal!!! I can’t imagine that another location has a better staff. A special shout out to Deborah, Benjamin, and Samantha of course. You all are doing amazing, amazing, selfless work. You all are very special to so many!!!
Vernon Godsey III
6 months ago
Huge shout out to the team at symetria who make me feel like family I appreciate everything they do and huge shout out to Osagie for helping me! He is AWESOME!!! I love you symetria❤️❤️❤️
Chloe Roseman
7 months ago
BEST PLACE EVER. I have tried various other doctors/clinics and none of them even begin to compare to this one. The staff here is absolutely amazing. I can’t even make a single complaint. Dr Son is the best as well. He explains everything and you truly feel like he understands you. I can proudly say this, this place saved my life. If you or someone you know needs help getting off opiates do it right the first time and come here. You won’t be disappointed. If you are specifically struggling with fentanyl please don’t waste your time with other ways. I have tried 6 other methods from lazer therapy to having the earpiece to suboxone. Methadone is the key to our current fentanyl crisis. This clinic makes recovery possible again!
Mason
7 months ago
|
5 5
| |
1
Top 10 Rehab in FL
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.78 / 10 | All In Solutions Counseling Center is a mental health center and addiction treatment program in Boynton Beach, Florida. They provide a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program, medication-assisted treatment, and mental health care for adults with substance use disorder. All In Solutions Counseli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Very helpful and honest team, we were able to address multiple areas of my addiction. The spiritual aspect was also very helpful with my recovery
clifford zwirecki
1 week ago
Great place and amazing staff
Robert Seiz
1 week ago
A great place with s staff that cares about all of their clients needs. If you are looking for help first pray the reach out to All in Solutions they are great guides on the trip of life.
barkley wyckoff
2 weeks ago
|
4
| |
3
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.76 / 10 | Located in Watsonville, California, Elevate Addiction Services provides alcohol and drug rehab services to men and women suffering from addiction. Their levels of care include detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. One of the best ranked Outpatient treatment centers in California, Elevate Addiction Services provides a wide continuum | Treatments Programs Payment Options | This place is not your ordinary rehab facility. They go beyond your standard rehabilitation and literally “Elevate” your life to a new level you didn’t think was ever possible before. The program is structured in a way that you desire to learn more and give more into the healing process. If you take the necessary steps and put your heart into the program you will come out with a newfound appreciation for life and all that surrounds you. Please take this step, as my husband did, to embrace your life and get the healing you deserve and owe yourself.
The Truth
1 month ago
I think this is a wonderful rehab, the facilities are beautiful, the food is amazing (I have never even had food this good at a restaurant), and above all they have really helped my husband. Obviously anyone that first goes to rehab isn’t happy with their situation but in just two short months he was a changed person. The work they have them do on themselves got him to finally see why drugs and alcohol are no way of life. He’s finally sober and actually enjoying it! This rehab helped him so much he actually chose to stay LONGER, and I am for once excited for what the future can bring.
Christine Hanson
1 month ago
My experience here throughout my last few months has completely changed my whole outlook on life. Before I got here I thought my life was going towards the end. My body was failing and mental state was terrible. Every part of the program touches on every aspect of the addicts life. Now that I have finished the program and started living daily life with all of the gains I got throughout the program, failure isn’t an option. I know I can truly be happy sober now. I finally gained back the love and support from my life partner and best friend I always knew was still there. My mom also believes in me again which is so important to me. The possibilities and happiness are endless now. Thank you Elevate.
Mike Wilcox
1 month ago
|
5 5
| |
2
Top 10 Rehab in NJ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.74 / 10 | All In Solutions Counseling Center is a mental health and addiction clinic in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. They provide outpatient addiction treatment and mental health care. They offer options like an intensive outpatient program, a partial hospitalization program, and medication-assisted treatment. All In Solutions Cherry Hill Drug & Alcohol Reha | Treatments Programs Payment Options | My experience at All In Solutions was excellent. A special shout out to all the staff. especially the Techs who were flexible and met all my housing needs. Let me not forget to give a heartfelt shout out to the Administration Assistant, Erica. Her friendly smile and personality was something to look forward to every morning. A special thanks to Chris B, the wise Guru of AA’s Big Book. An extreme special thank you to the Alumni Coordinator, Lauren. for everything she did for me.
John Collins
2 months ago
To say All In Solutions of Cherry Hill, N.J. saved my life would be a GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT. As would be any attempt to express my gratitude to their staff with mere words. After 33 straight years of drug & alcohol abuse, I would have never imagined myself making it through even the 1st few days of a recovery program, much less become a man who swears by the life changing process that comes only by properly working a 12 step program. In fact, I’d have laughed at you if you tried to tell me that it could cure my life long ailment. God Bless the entire staff at A.I.S. for patiently taking taking their time to make sure that I actually not only got it right, but got it right this 1st time. It takes more than what is ethically & professionally required of you to have such a profound effect on someone like me. Much, much more. But each & every staff member regularly went well above & beyond their call of duty where my recovery is concerned. Thank you, ALL OF YOU & God Bless you. Please keep doing what you do.
Don Gendron
2 months ago
I felt that I got exactly what I needed out of this program. All the staff were helpful and nice. I learned a lot more than I expected to and all my needs were met. I highly recommend this facility for anyone who is struggling and needs that extra help with their recovery.
Jackson Wood
2 months ago
|
4
| |
2
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.74 / 10 | Rise in Malibu is a secluded drug and alcohol rehab program in Malibu, California. They deliver Joint Commission accredited detox, inpatient treatment, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare services to adult clients. Their campus boasts luxury amenities and a seaside view. Detoxification at Rise Malibu takes place in its luxury residen | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Going to Rise was the best decision of my life. Allison was a godsend to me at a dark point in my life and was able to get me into Rise’s treatment program with short notice. The team there is unparalleled. I wish I could name everyone that were members of my treatment team at Rise, but a few shoutouts to Nam for driving my sad sack self to Rise, baking amazing bread, and being an amazing support from Day 1, Shari & Zach from nursing for the care, fun, pep talks, and compassion, Dr Mark for his wisdom and pragmatic approach that I really resonated with, and numerous others (the chefs are next-level good, Tessa, Luke, Saber, Destiny, Cesar, Cat, Michael, Terry, Adrian, etc).
Outside of the fantastic staff, I’ll add that the house is gorgeous, the groups are varied and enriching, there’s a good balance between free time & groups, the rooms are comfortable and spacious, and they do a great job of ensuring that you have access to outside appointments – for example, I was able to go to Passover services while at Rise without having to go through a lot of hoops/bureaucracy.
The amenities are fun and obviously appreciated, but the heart of this place is really why I would recommend it to a loved one or friend in a heartbeat.
Thank you so much, Rise team!!!
Hannah Lerner
1 month ago
I didn’t walk in expecting much, but this place really surprised me. Detox was handled professionally and the staff genuinely cared. Residential was structured and real—not just talk. I learned a lot and I’m leaving in a much better place.
Eviana Peterson
1 month ago
Rise really means a lot to me. I’ve been to the Malibu location twice, and both times the team made me feel genuinely cared for, supported, and understood during some of the hardest times in my life. Dr. Mark was awesome to work with, and I also want to thank Ron, Sherry, Nam, Tessa, Zack, and Ryan. You all made a bigger impact on me than you probably know. What makes Rise special is that it never just felt like treatment to me — it felt like family. I’ll always have love for the Malibu team and a lot of gratitude for everything they’ve done for me. Also give my compliments to the chefs
noah barclay
2 months ago
|
6 6
|






































































































