Drinking on Naltrexone: My Experience & How It Changed My Relationship with Alcohol

What Does It Feel Like to Drink on Naltrexone?

When I first heard about naltrexone and The Sinclair Method (TSM) as a treatment for alcohol use disorder, I had so many questions. One of the biggest ones was: What does it actually feel like to drink on this medication? Would it make alcohol completely unenjoyable? Would I still feel a buzz? Would I even want to drink anymore?

Like many people who start this method, I thought that taking naltrexone before drinking meant I wouldn’t enjoy alcohol at all. I assumed it would take away all pleasure, all relaxation, and all the fun. But my actual experience was very different.

Can You Still Get Buzzed on Naltrexone?

Naltrexone works by blocking the endorphin rush that alcohol normally releases in the brain. Before I started this treatment, drinking was something I felt compelled to do—I craved it, thought about it constantly, and once I started, stopping felt impossible. Alcohol was my escape, my go-to, my obsession.

Drinking on naltrexone felt different. It’s tough to describe because it wasn’t like anything I had experienced before. The best way I can explain it is that alcohol simply became... less interesting.

It didn’t suddenly taste bad or make me feel sick, and I could still get buzzed. But that pull, that overwhelming drive to keep drinking, started to fade. Over time, I found myself naturally wanting less. Instead of feeling like I had to chase the next drink, I could actually take it or leave it. For the first time in my life, I had an off switch when it came to alcohol.

Why Naltrexone Helps You Control Drinking

One of the most unexpected parts of drinking on naltrexone was that, in a strange way, I enjoyed drinking more on the medication. Not because it made alcohol better, but because it finally gave me control. Before, I would tell myself I’d have just one or two drinks, but inevitably, I’d end up drinking way more than I intended. With naltrexone, when I said I was going to have a couple of drinks, I actually could. And that was incredibly empowering.

I’ve heard from others using TSM who say the same thing—that drinking on naltrexone still feels good, just in a different way. Instead of chasing an endless buzz, they can actually enjoy a drink or two and feel satisfied.

How My Enjoyment of Alcohol Changed Over Time on Naltrexone

For me, the biggest change wasn’t immediate. Naltrexone isn’t a magic pill; it takes time. At first, I still had the habit of drinking frequently, but something started to shift. The “reward” that alcohol had always given me wasn’t as strong, and I found myself questioning why I was drinking at all. It wasn’t a conscious effort to quit—I just lost interest.

I often compare it to eating ice cream. If I go out for an ice cream cone, I might enjoy one or two scoops, but the idea of eating four or five in a row? That doesn’t sound appealing. Drinking became like that for me—something I could enjoy in moderation but no longer had the desire to overindulge in.

Personal Reflections on Drinking with Naltrexone

Q: Did naltrexone stop you from getting drunk?
A: No, I could still get buzzed or even drunk. But it was different—the euphoria wasn’t as intense, and I didn’t feel that same urgency to keep drinking.

Q: How long did it take for naltrexone to change your drinking habits?
A: For me, I noticed small shifts in the first week, but I was still drinking quite a bit for months. Over time, the changes became more noticeable, and my drinking naturally decreased.

Q: Did alcohol taste different for you on naltrexone?
A: Yes, I did notice a difference. Not all alcohol tasted different, but red wine didn’t appeal to me as much anymore. Other beverages, though, still tasted the same.

Learn More About The Sinclair Method

If you're curious, you can learn more about the Sinclair Method here. 

Want to follow my journey in real time? Watch my transformation on YouTube.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on what you read here.