You’ve likely heard of the likes of Ozempic and Wegovy, both weight loss drugs patented for type 2 diabetes and weight loss respectively.
Now, a drug called naltrexone – referred to as ‘Ozempic for drinkers’ – has gone viral on social media, and being praised for helping those struggling with alcohol overconsumption to cut down.
But why has it been labelled the ‘Ozempic’ of the alcohol world?
Just as the weight loss drug does, it targets the brain’s reward pathways to reduce cravings.
And while Ozempic works to reduce appetite, helping users to lose weight by consuming less food, naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and reduces the urge to drink.
Here’s everything you need to know about it, from how it works to how it’s prescribed.
What is naltrexone?
Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor tells Metro that naltrexone is a medication that ‘works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, which can help reduce the pleasurable effects associated with drinking alcohol.’
‘By doing so, it may help individuals who are trying to reduce their alcohol intake or quit drinking entirely. When taken as prescribed, naltrexone can decrease the urge to consume alcohol, making it easier for individuals to stick to their recovery goals,’ Suzanne adds.
Though it’s gathered the colloquial nickname ‘Ozempic for drinkers,’ Suzanne notes that it’s important to clarify that the two medications serve different purposes.
Ozempic, a brand of semaglutide, is ‘primarily used for weight management and diabetes, while naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used to help reduce alcohol cravings and consumption.’
So, how does it help people reduce their alcohol consumption? Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, who is a clinical lead for both substance misuse and women’s health, tells Metro that it works by reducing cravings, and has been shown to reduce both the ‘frequency and severity of relapse, especially in people committed to cutting down or quitting.’
Likewise, Dr Deepali adds that ‘by diminishing the reward associated with alcohol, naltrexone increases the likelihood of maintaining abstinence.’
What are the dangers of overconsuming alcohol?
Dr Deepali explains that one of the biggest dangers of overconsuming alcohol is liver disease, of which excessive drinking is the leading cause in the UK.
‘Many people are unaware of the damage they’re doing to their liver, as symptoms often appear only when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage,’ she says
Likewise, alcohol is a known carcinogen – and, as Dr Deepali tells Metro, is responsible for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth and throat.
‘Cancer Research UK highlights that alcohol-related cancer risk increases from the very first drink, and there is no “safe” level of consumption in terms of cancer risk,’ Dr Deepali notes.
Elsewhere, excessive alcohol consumption can also impact heart health – but consumed in moderation, it can actually be beneficial in this area.
‘While moderate drinking has been linked to some cardiovascular benefits, excessive alcohol consumption leads to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease,’ Dr Deepali explains.
Is naltrexone the only treatment available to help with alcohol consumption?
Beyond counselling and lifestyle changes, naltrexone isn’t the only medical way to combat excessive alcohol consumption. As Suzanne adds, drugs called acamprosate and disulfiram work in a similar way.
The first works to ‘restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that alcohol disrupts,’ while the second causes ‘unpleasant reactions’ to alcohol and, thus, acts as a deterrent for consuming excessive amounts.
How is naltrexone prescribed on the NHS?
Naltrexone has been approved for use on the NHS, and as Dr Deepali outlines, it’s prescribed through the GP, who can assess a patient’s alcohol use and determine if the treatment is appropriate.
They can also make referrals to a specialist alcohol treatment service, which might use psychological support alongside the drug.
‘These treatment approaches are typically most successful when combined with ongoing support, lifestyle changes, and therapies tailored to the individual’s needs,’ explains Dr Deepali.
If you want to understand more about your drinking you can contact Drinkaware here.
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