Realistic Expectations | The Current

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

The Oar Perspective: Realistic Expectations

Not everyone feels a dramatic change in cravings or drinking behavior in the first weeks of treatment with naltrexone. It is completely normal to wonder, “Is this doing anything?”

Whether you’re asking that question yourself or still thinking about starting treatment and what it might bring, we have answers.

Karen Dion, Oar Health’s Director of Coaching, breaks down what to expect in the first year of treatment with naltrexone in our new guide. We get into how to build consistency in the first few weeks, the progress to look for in the first few months, and strategies to sustain success in the long run.

Click here to read the guide.

New Documentary: Antagonist

Antagonist: How a Wonder Drug Got Sidelined is a brand-new documentary about naltrexone and how it has been suppressed by junk science and big-money interests.

From acclaimed investigative journalist Ben Westhoff, Antagonist traces naltrexone’s history from its creation at a federal prison in Kentucky through its battle for legitimacy against 12-step groups and a well-funded methadone lobby, to its almost complete blackballing in the media.

Through interviews with doctors, experts, historians, academics, and people in recovery, Antagonist tells the story of an essential medicine derailed, with the goal of educating viewers and ultimately saving lives.

Antagonist is not yet available to the public. But if you contribute to the film's Patreon, you can watch a sneak peak of the entire film.

Resource of the Month: Liver Right

Everyone — especially those of us with a history of heavy drinking — should consider that sliver that is the liver.

This three pound organ is a workhorse. The liver carries out over 500 functions for the digestive, metabolic, and immune systems, as well as for detoxification and storage.

And here’s the thing: it’s very straightforward to find out if you have liver damage. And if caught early? It’s reversible. If caught later? Treatable.

That’s why we’re excited to let you know about LiverRight.

It’s a virtual clinic for diagnosing and treating liver disease, including Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD). All the appointments are via telemedicine, and they see patients and take insurance in all 50 states.

Learn more here.

Member Story: Absolutely Works!

"I have been taking Oar consistently for about three weeks now, and I am really impressed with the results thus far.

Does exactly as it was advertised. No side effects for me, thank goodness. I’m looking to quit completely, and I feel like Oar has been the right choice for this journey.

No general urges to drink or to drink the day after a night of drinking, that’s my favorite part. Not feeling like I need the “hair of the dog”. The several times I had a few drinks, I actually took my time drinking one drink as opposed to rushing to that buzz.

At age 47, I have never experienced that before and feel more in control now that I’ve ever had in the past. I am so glad I found Oar. Just happened to glance at the tv at work and saw an advertisement for it. Took a shot, and I am one happy customer.

Looking forward to getting to a sober state, and I truly believe that’s going to come sooner than later."

Trustpilot Review, October 22nd, 2025

AUD In The News

America’s Most Problematic Drug Is Alcohol | Pew

“While opioid use disorder dominates headlines, alcohol quietly remains America’s most problematic — and overlooked — drug. Nearly 30 million people are estimated to have alcohol use disorder. In this episode of ‘After the Fact,’ Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, an addiction medicine specialist, and Pew’s Frances McGaffey discuss the latest trends related to alcohol use, its normalization in American culture, and the evolving science behind its risks.”

It’s Never Too Late To Quit Drinking. I Should Know. | Wall Street Journal

“When I finally stopped drinking after half a century, I discovered that abstinence has physical and mental rewards, even when you’re in your 70s.”

Little-Known Pill To Fight Alcoholism Gets Its Moment In The Sun | MediaPost

“Yes, there is an FDA-approved medication designed to combat alcohol addiction. Called naltrexone, it’s been available for decades, but has received little consumer promotion.”