Get Naltrexone Online to Stop Drinking

Ian Landau

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May 05, 2023

The bottom half of a woman's face is visible. Her hand holds a white pill to her parted mouth.

In This Article

Naltrexone is medication for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). The American Medical Association (AMA), in their guide for physicians, says that "Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and feelings of intoxication and allows patients to reduce alcohol use by removing the perceived 'reward' of consumption." (1)

Naltrexone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the AMA to help people stop drinking or cut back on drinking, as well as to reduce alcohol cravings.

If a qualified healthcare provider diagnoses you with AUD, you may receive a naltrexone prescription. Read about the difference between Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), heavy drinking, and binge drinking.

Oar Health is a service that provides people access to medical support and science-based solutions, including naltrexone, to help them drink less or stop drinking.

To determine whether you’re a good candidate for naltrexone, you can complete an online assessment and consultation with an Oar Health medical provider. If the clinician determines that treatment with naltrexone is a fit for you, your naltrexone prescription will be filled by an online pharmacy and delivered to you via your private Oar Health subscription plan.

Get Started

Complete a short online assessment about your current alcohol use and your general medical history, and a medical provider will evaluate if treatment with naltrexone is right for you.

Get Started With Medication To Drink Less

Get Started

Is naltrexone over-the-counter?

Naltrexone is not currently available over-the-counter, or without a doctor's prescription.

Does naltrexone require a prescription?

Yes, naltrexone requires a prescription. Naltrexone—which also may be referred to by its full name, naltrexone HCL (hydrochloride) — is an FDA-approved prescription medication that treats certain substance use disorders.

Oral naltrexone, available in 50-milligram (mg) tablets, was approved by the FDA in 1984 as a medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), which was historically often referred to as alcoholism.

Naltrexone is also available as a monthly injection. The injection may only be given by a medical provider and is not available for home delivery.

Who can prescribe naltrexone?

Any licensed healthcare provider in the United States who is authorized to write a prescription can legally prescribe naltrexone. Naltrexone may be prescribed via a telehealth or virtual appointment with a clinician, or during an in-person office visit.

What kind of doctor prescribes naltrexone?

The healthcare professionals who most often prescribe naltrexone include:

  • Physicians (MD)
  • Osteopathic physicians (DO)
  • Physician assistants (PA)
  • Nurse practitioners (NP)

While special training isn’t necessary to prescribe naltrexone, some healthcare professionals may decide to refer patients to a colleague with more experience treating AUD.

How can you get naltrexone prescribed?

To get a naltrexone prescription, the first step is to discuss your alcohol use with a doctor or another healthcare provider. If you meet the diagnostic criteria for AUD, the provider can prescribe naltrexone as a medication-assisted treatment to help you cut down on your drinking or give up alcohol entirely.

Can I buy naltrexone online?

Yes, but you still need a prescription. Oar Health's team of certified medical professionals use our online assessment to determine if you are a candidate for naltrexone. If approved, our clinical team will prescribe naltrexone, and have it delivered to your door.

Does Medicare cover naltrexone?

Yes, Medicare prescription drug plans cover naltrexone.

How much does naltrexone cost without insurance?

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of 50-mg oral naltrexone tablets typically costs about $50. The monthly price without insurance can range from $25 to $175, depending on factors such as where you purchase naltrexone, available coupons, how often you take the medication, and at what dose.

What Is Oar Health and How Does It Work?

Oar Health provides people ready to change their relationship with alcohol access to medical support and science-based solutions. After you complete an online assessment, a medical provider will determine your treatment plan. If your plan includes medication, Oar Health delivers your naltrexone online purchase directly and privately to you via an online pharmacy.

About The Author

Ian Landau is a journalist who's written extensively about health and wellness since 2010. He is also the author of The Hypochondriac's Handbook (Skyhorse, 2010).

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