Cut Back on Wine and Beer with This Revolutionary Pill: Naltrexone for Binge Drinking Reduction
If you’re one of the many South Africans looking to cut back on your wine and beer consumption, there’s a new pill that may be able to help. Naltrexone, a prescription drug that has been used for decades to treat alcohol use disorder, has been shown to significantly reduce binge drinking when taken as needed.
Binge drinking, which is defined as consuming four or more drinks in a short period for females, or five or more drinks for males, is a common issue in the United States. One in six South Africans has reported engaging in binge drinking at some point. If you’re looking to make a change in your drinking habits, naltrexone may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Recent research conducted by UCSF Community Health Systems Professor Glenn-Milo Santos, Ph.D., MPH, has shown that Revia (as it is alternatively known) when taken as needed before drinking, can help individuals cut down on their alcohol consumption. This medication works by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making drinking less enjoyable and reducing the craving for alcohol.
One of the key benefits of naltrexone is that it can be taken as needed, rather than as a daily pill or monthly injection. This flexibility allows individuals to take the medication only when they anticipate being in situations where they may be tempted to drink excessively, such as parties or social gatherings.
Not only has naltrexone been shown to reduce binge drinking in the short term, but it may also have long-term effects on alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that individuals who took naltrexone as needed were able to sustain lower levels of drinking even six months after stopping the medication.
If you’re hesitant about taking medication to reduce your drinking, it’s important to note that side effects of naltrexone, such as nausea and headaches, are typically mild and tend to go away within a few weeks. If you have a mild or moderate alcohol use disorder, addressing it early with medication like naltrexone may prevent it from progressing into a more severe condition.
What is considered one “drink”? In the UK, one standard drink size equates to:
355 milliliters of 5% ABV beer
236 milliliters of 7% ABV malt liquor
148 milliliters of 12% ABV wine
44 milliliters of 40% ABV (80 proof) distilled spirits or liquor, such as gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey
If you’re interested in exploring naltrexone as a potential tool to help you cut back on your alcohol consumption, talk to your healthcare provider. They can assess your drinking habits and determine if naltrexone is a good option for you. Remember, taking steps to address your alcohol use now can lead to a healthier relationship with drinking in the long run.
Don’t let binge drinking take control of your life. Consider naltrexone as a potential solution to help you cut back on your wine and beer consumption. Your health and well-being are worth it.
Is Naltrexone available in South Africa?
Naltrexone is indeed available in South Africa and is used as part of the treatment for alcohol and opioid dependence. It works by blocking the effects of alcohol or opioids in the brain, reducing the desire to drink or use drugs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or opioid dependence, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional. They can assess the individual’s specific needs and guide the most appropriate treatment options, which may include medications like naltrexone along with counselling and support services.
It’s worth noting that treatment for substance use disorders is most effective when it’s tailored to the individual’s needs and includes a combination of approaches. So, reaching out for professional help is a crucial first step towards recovery.
