A groundbreaking £3 pill, known as naltrexone, is being hailed as the “Ozempic for drinking” for its effectiveness in helping individuals reduce their alcohol consumption. This medication is primarily used to manage alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and the euphoric feelings associated with substance use.
When taken one hour before consuming alcohol, naltrexone has shown a high success rate in significantly decreasing the amount of alcohol individuals consume by combating cravings. In 2023, the World Health Organisation recognised the public health burden of alcohol use disorders and recommended medications such as acamprosate and naltrexone to assist in managing drinking problems.
According to the organisation, alcohol consumption results in 3 million global deaths annually and negatively impacts the health of millions worldwide. Approximately 300 million people worldwide are estimated to live with alcohol use disorders, including around 150 million people with alcohol dependence.
Journalist Annabel Fenwick Elliott shared her personal experience with naltrexone in a treatment programme aimed at reducing her alcohol intake. She likened the pill’s effects to that of Ozempic, a weight loss injection and diabetes medication known to suppress appetite.
Describing her experience, Fenwick Elliott noted, “An hour after I first took the pill, I poured a glass of wine and was astounded by the results. It looked like wine. It tasted like wine. It offered the same mild relaxation effect, but the euphoria didn’t kick in.” She recounted how the pill helped her resist the urge to finish the bottle of wine, a behaviour she had previously struggled to control.
The method used to curb alcohol consumption with naltrexone is known as the Sinclair Method, developed by Dr David Sinclair, an expert in alcohol addiction. However, due to licensing issues, GPs in the UK find it challenging to prescribe naltrexone. The NHS does not offer this treatment method, but private clinics in the UK provide access to naltrexone along with addiction counselling services.
The positive impact of naltrexone in reducing alcohol consumption highlights a potential breakthrough in addressing alcohol use disorders and offers hope for those struggling with addiction.