Naltrexone for Alcohol & Drug Relapse Prevention in Veterans

Veterans who are in recovery from alcohol or opioid use disorders may receive naltrexone, a medication prescribed to help prevent cravings, urges, and relapse.¹

This page will discuss naltrexone and how it may help with recovery.

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is commonly prescribed as a part of a treatment plan for opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder (AUD).^1,2

Naltrexone is available as an oral pill or an extended-release intramuscular injection.² The pill is used to help treat AUD, while the extended-release injection can be used for both alcohol or opioid addiction.² One of the most common naltrexone medications is Vivitrol, which is an intramuscular injection.³

Naltrexone can block the intoxicating and euphoric effects of alcohol or opioids, reduce cravings, and help prevent relapse.^1,2,4 However, naltrexone is just one part of a treatment plan for AUD or OUD, and Veterans who use it should receive counseling and other behavioral therapies as a part of an individualized and comprehensive treatment approach.²

How Does Naltrexone Work?

Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors and preventing the euphoric, intoxicating, and sedative effects of alcohol and opioids, which can discourage relapse and suppress opioid and alcohol cravings.^2,4

Blocking these opioid receptors can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, which is why naltrexone is intended for people that are no longer physically dependent on opioids or alcohol (i.e., people that have completed detox) and are no longer using opioids or drinking alcohol.^2,3

When prescribed in pill form, the drug is taken daily, while the injectable involves a monthly injection into the gluteal area.^2,5

The duration of treatment with naltrexone is determined by the medical professionals who provide treatment. According to the FDA, naltrexone is often taken for up to 3 months to treat alcohol addiction, but reports indicate that people have used it for 6 months to a year without any safety problems.⁴

The FDA also reports that in clinical trials, people have used the extended-release injectable to treat AUD or OUD for less than 6 months to a year or longer.³

Naltrexone Side Effects, Interactions & Warnings

Naltrexone side effects are often mild.⁴ Common naltrexone side effects include:⁴

• Fatigue.
• Nervousness.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Anxiety.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting. 

Naltrexone is not for everyone.² Before taking naltrexone, patients should inform their doctors about:²

• Liver or kidney problems.
• Use of illegal drugs.
• Hemophilia or bleeding disorders.
• Pregnancy, intention to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Use of any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.
• Allergies to naltrexone or ingredients contained in the solution for the injectable version.

Using opioids while taking naltrexone is very dangerous.² Since naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, someone may try to use more of the opioid to experience effects, potentially leading to an overdose. The risk of overdose may be further compounded by diminished opioid tolerance after long periods of abstinence.^2,4

Where Can Veterans Get Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.¹ Veterans can obtain naltrexone from practitioners licensed to prescribe this medication, who may prescribe the drug or administer it on an inpatient or outpatient basis.²

Do Veteran Benefits Cover Naltrexone?

Veteran benefit programs cover addiction treatment, but specific services that are covered can vary depending on the patient’s needs, the type of healthcare program they are enrolled in, and other factors.⁶

Check with your plan to determine your exact benefits or call the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs’ (VA) general information hotline at 1-800-827-1000.⁶

Rehab for Veterans & Service Members

VA benefits cover services to treat substance use problems.⁷ Additionally, active service members and their family members, survivors, Medal of Honor recipients, and more can obtain addiction treatment coverage through TRICARE—a program managed by the Department of Defense (DoD).^7,8

Many rehabs offer specialized treatment tracks for Veterans and service members, which are specifically designed to address the unique needs of Veterans struggling with addiction.

You should not have to deal with addiction on your own. Treatment is available to help you take back control of your life. Please call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at to learn more about our specialized Veterans treatment program. You can also learn more about rehab admissions and easily verify your insurance benefits online.