The Oar Perspective

Naltrexone’s Flexibility
Should naltrexone be taken daily? Or only when drinking? What’s most effective? When should I take naltrexone?

These are some of the questions asked most commonly by Oar Health members. The answer is that naltrexone is a remarkably flexible medication that people trying to drink less or quit can use in several ways to achieve their goals.

Daily use is the best studied approach to oral naltrexone. Daily use has been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce heavy drinking days and cravings for alcohol. People who take naltrexone daily can take it at the same time that they take other daily medications, as part of their morning or evening routine, with a meal, or 60-90 minutes before the time of day when they typically start drinking if that is predictable.

There is also evidence to suggest that targeted use is effective. A recent study found that taking naltrexone before an anticipated period of heavy drinking reduced binges.

The Sinclair Method is a popular form of targeted use in which people take naltrexone at least 60 minutes before their first drink and not at all on days they do not drink.

Finally, Vivitrol provides an extended-release formulation of naltrexone that is injected once per month by a healthcare professional.

At Oar Health, we’ve helped thousands of people get started with naltrexone. About two thirds report that they are often or always meeting their goal to drink less or quit. This success rate is nearly identical between those using naltrexone every day and those pursuing targeted use, such as The Sinclair Method.

We encourage every Oar Health member to find the approach that works best for them, informed by their goals, drinking patterns, and the medication that’s most practical for them to stick with consistently. It’s a decision best made in consultation with an expert, and the clinicians and coaches available through the Oar Health platform can help.

We believe in empowering every person who wants to change their relationship with alcohol with the tools and approaches that work for them — including their approach to taking naltrexone.

Oar Member Story

I Wish My Dad Had Gotten Help
"My father drank a lot when I was growing up. It was a secret, so he was absent a lot. Because, if no one knows you drink, you can't be around when you do

I know Dad tried different routes to quit but they only led to more shame. I know he got angry when he thought about quitting. Finally, he got sober for the last nine years of his life. It was like having the father I never knew.

When I then began drinking more than I wanted, knowing there were real health consequences, I was baffled by my inability to cut back effectively. There wasn't a clear issue. It didn't interfere with work or relationships. It was just too much, and I couldn't stop.

I researched the situation and talked with my therapist. I decided to try naltrexone.The change was immediate. I could drink or not. Alcohol just didn't have the same appeal. I cannot account for it. I only know it works.I wish my father would’ve had this treatment.

I wish he’d had the same non-judgmental access to naltrexone. I could have known him for more than nine years."

— LC, Oar Health Member

Episode of the Month

Sobriety As Your Superpower
Sober Strength is a podcast about seeking moderation in a world of unrelenting excess.

Every week, host Jesse Carrajat (United States Marine veteran, fitness expert, and mental health advocate) redefines "sober" to mean balance in ALL areas of life—not just alcohol.

Check out Episode 52, as Jesse speaks to Adam Jablin, author, coach, and founder of The Hero Project.

Adam shares how his journey to sobriety transformed his life and became the foundation for his mission to help others. From battling addiction to inspiring others, this conversation explores how embracing sobriety can become your ultimate advantage by removing the barriers holding you back.how embracing sobriety can become your ultimate advantage by removing the barriers holding you back.
Listen Now

Event of the Month

Mindful Drinking Fest
You’re invited to join our team at the Mindful Drinking Fest 2025 this January 10–12 at Union Market, D.C.! It’s the largest mindful drinking festival in the U.S., featuring innovative beverages, wellness talks, and more.

Sip delicious drinks, celebrate a world of mindful consumption, and connect with others through tastings, seminars, parties, and wellness activations.

Tickets are on sale here.
Get Tickets Now

Alcohol Use Disorder in the News

This Drinking Habit Is More Dangerous Than Bingeing | New York Times
“High-intensity drinking is even riskier than binge drinking, and it’s on the rise among certain segments of the population.”

Alcohol Deaths Have More Than Doubled In Recent Years, Especially Among Women | Fox News
“The biggest surge — a fourfold increase — was seen in people between the ages of 25 and 34.”

Millions Of Americans Affected By Secondhand Harm From Substance Use | News-Medical.Net
“In a national survey of U.S. adults, researchers found that 34% said they'd ever suffered ‘secondhand harm’ from someone else's alcohol use — ranging from marriage and family problems to financial fall-out to being assaulted or injured in a drunk-driving accident.”Remember that AUD doesn’t always match the stereotypes depicted in movies and TV shows.”

How To Talk To A Loved One About Their Drinking | New York Times
“There are ways to broach the topic successfully — it’s all about time, place and tone.”

Why A Promising Treatment For Alcohol Abuse Is Barely Used | PBS
“There's two misconceptions among providers. One is that providers believe they don't know how to treat substance use disorders, that they don't have the skills or the licensure needed to treat substance use disorders, which is not true, and they think abstinence is the only way, that Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous is the only way.”

Ask Your Primary Care Doctor About Subtance Use Disorder Treatments | Cedars Sinai
“Primary care doctors can prescribe effective medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Despite the proven effectiveness of these medical treatments, there is limited public awareness that these options are available through primary care.”

“New Hope” For Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment | Medscape
“Evidence is mounting that new therapies already used to treat gut diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity may help people with alcohol use disorder (AUD).”