Educational Information Only
This site is for education only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified, licensed clinician before making any decisions about medication or treatment. Naltrexone is a prescription medication and is not appropriate for everyone.
No. Naltrexone is not addictive. It is not an opioid. It does not produce euphoria or a "high." It is not a controlled substance. There is no evidence of physical dependence or addiction associated with naltrexone use.
Because naltrexone is used to treat opioid use disorder as well as alcohol use disorder, some people assume it must be an opioid itself. This is a misconception. Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors — it is the opposite of an opioid. It does not activate the reward system; it blocks it.
Decades of clinical research and real-world use have not identified addiction or dependence as a risk of naltrexone. The medication is not scheduled by the DEA. It does not produce tolerance (the need for increasing doses to achieve the same effect) in the way that addictive substances do.
Naltrexone can be stopped without a tapering schedule in most cases. There is no withdrawal syndrome associated with stopping naltrexone. However, stopping naltrexone without medical guidance is not recommended — speak with your clinician about any changes to your medication.
Talk to a Licensed Clinician
The information on this site is educational. Before starting naltrexone or any medication, speak with a licensed clinician who can evaluate your full medical history and individual circumstances.