How Long Should I Take Naltrexone? | The Current

Welcome back to The Current, your source for the latest news, perspective and resources from Oar Health.

The Oar Perspective: How Long Should I Stay On Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication that can help people drink less or quit drinking completely. It is one of the most effective tools available to help people recover from alcohol use disorder. But how long should patients continue using the medication?

In general, doctors recommend taking naltrexone for at least one year if it is helping. They also recommend giving it at least three months to see if it works for you.

But there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your goals, progress and personal preferences matter. We unpack it in a new resource article. Click through to dive into questions that you and your doctor can consider to form the best treatment plan for you.

Member Story: I Tried Everything

"I have struggled for years with my relationship with alcohol.

I have done all the things, count drinks, dry January, drink only on the weekends but was never successful at decreasing the amount I was drinking.

Since starting with Oar health I have finally found some control. I am very thankful for this program. I look forward to finally being the one in control and not the alcohol."

— Trustpilot Review, July 27th, 2025

Episode Of The Month: Can Science Help You Drink Less?

Runing Free (formerly Sober Strength) is a podcast about seeking moderation in a world of unrelenting excess. Every week, host Jesse Carrajat (United States Marine veteran, fitness expert & mental health advocate) redefines "sober" to mean balance in ALL areas of life — not just alcohol.

In this episode, Jesse sits down with Vedant Pradeep, the co-founder and CEO of Reframe — the #1 neuroscience-backed app helping over 3 million people drink less and live more. Together, they explore how behavioral science, daily habit loops, and community-based tools are reshaping what recovery and moderation can look like.

Vedant also introduces Liquid Luck, a new line of functional, alcohol-free beverages designed to help reduce cravings, manage stress, and create a smarter alternative to traditional drinking rituals.

This episode isn’t about theory—it’s about tools. Whether you're sober curious, deep in recovery, or just looking to optimize your habits, you’ll walk away with new ideas, renewed motivation, and actionable insight.

AUD In The News

SAMHSA Releases Annual National Survey On Drug Use And Health | Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration

“Among the 27.9 million people aged 12 or older with a past year alcohol use disorder, 2.5% (or 697,000 people) received medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) in the past year.”

Fitting In Vs. Belonging: The Hidden Cost Of Social Drinking | Psychology Today

“I still remember the first time I went alcohol-free at a gathering.Everyone seemed to be having a great time while I was standing there with a Sprite in my hand.”

Few Cancer Survivors With Alcohol Use Disorder Receive Timely Treatment for It | Hematology Advisor

“Less than 15% of cancer survivors diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) start treatment for their AUD within a year of diagnosis, according to research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.”

Doctor-Patient Talk About Problem Alcohol Use Could Reduce Health Care Use | Kaiser Permanente

“Previous research has shown [Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment] helps patients reduce problem drinking and related health problems such as hypertension. This is the first time the method’s cost effectiveness has been studied and confirmed.”

How Hopeful Should We Be About Ozempic For Alcohol Use Disorder? | Filter

“At the moment, then, there’s promise but not enough evidence to go on. The raft of upcoming studies, however, should enhance our understanding of how effective GLP-1 agonists are in treating alcohol use disorder, and for whom they are effective."