What is naltrexone and can it be used to treat alcoholism?

Naltrexone (brand names: ReVia, Depade) is a medicine blocking the brain receptors that interact with alcohol and narcotics. When alcohol and narcotics interact with these areas in the brain, people feel pleasure when using these agents. When these receptors in the brain are blocked, people feel less need to drink alcohol and can stop drinking more easily. Unlike disulfiram (brand name: Antabuse), another medicine that is sometimes used to treat alcoholism, naltrexone does not make you feel sick if you drink alcohol while taking it. [link]

Research in the U.K. provides evidence that naltrexone can be used to treat alcoholism. Currently, in the U.K., naltrexone is only licensed to treat drug addiction, which works by reducing the craving and neutralizing the hit. Additional studies on naltrexone and alcoholism bring hope to patients suffering from this addiction. [link]