Naltrexone for Alcohol Issues

Naltrexone for alcohol issues:

how It works, expectations & options

Naltrexone is a first-line, evidence-based medication used in the treatment of alcohol dependence in Australia.

It has been extensively studied and is considered safe and effective when used under medical supervision.

What we do

How naltrexone works

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain.

This reduces:

the rewarding or euphoric effects of alcohol
reinforcement of drinking behaviour.

Over time, this can lead to reduced cravings and lower alcohol consumption.

Who We Help

What naltrexone does - and doesn’t do

Naltrexone can:

reduce heavy drinking
support behavioural change
lower relapse risk.

Naltrexone does not:

prevent you from becoming intoxicated
reduce blood alcohol concentration
eliminate withdrawal symptoms.

People who are physically dependent may still require supervised detox.

TSM at The Bluefield Clinic

How It Is prescribed

Naltrexone is usually prescribed by your GP and may be used in different ways for alcohol issues.

Daily dosing

taken at the same time each day.

Targeted dosing (Sinclair Method)

taken 1–2 hours before drinking;
aims to gradually reduce reinforcement.

The Sinclair Method

Side effects

Common side effects may include:

nausea
headaches
fatigue
dizziness.

These are often mild and transient and may improve over time.

Starting with a lower dose and increasing gradually may improve tolerance.

New Possibilities

Is naltrexone right for you?

Naltrexone is the medication stipulated for use with TSM, however, it is not the only medication our program supports.

Other evidence-based medications we support (non-TSM options) include Acamprosate (Campral) and Dilsulfiram (Antabuse) which are available and can be prescribed by your GP.

Importantly:

medication is only one part of treatment;
psychological support plays a key role;
treatment should be tailored to the individual.

Therapies at The Bluefield Clinic

Our approach

We provide confidential online alcohol counselling across Australia.

Our approach combines:

clinical psychological therapy
medication support where appropriate.

This allows treatment to be tailored to your goals—whether reduction, moderation or abstinence—while addressing both behavioural and physiological aspects of alcohol use to prevent relapse and achieve sustainable change.

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