Thirty years ago, naltrexone was approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Last month, researchers, clinicians, and patients gathered in Pennsylvania to commemorate the anniversary, share insights, and plan for the next 30 years of naltrexone’s adoption. 

Oar’s team was proud to proud to share the work that we are doing to increase access to naltrexone through telehealth and to highlight the results our members are achieving, including: 

‍76% drinking less within two weeks
‍65% meeting their goal often or always whether it is to drink less or quit
‍75% achieving health and wellness benefits

Across the diverse group of attendees, there was a strong consensus on several points:
‍
— Naltrexone is a safe and effective tool for helping people to drink less or quit
‍
— Naltrexone is dramatically under-prescribed with only 2% of people with alcohol use disorder being prescribed any medication that can help them drink less or quit
‍
— There are multiple effective ways to use naltrexone: once daily, targeted to drinking occasions as in The Sinclair Method, or via longer-acting Vivitrol injection
‍
— We are making progress: more naltrexone prescriptions being written, more access points becoming available, and more patients self-organizing to support each other on Reddit, through free meet-ups like TSMMeetups, and through programs like Thrive
‍
— We must work together to help everyone who can benefit from naltrexone learn about the medication and get access to it. The Naltrexone Alliance, founded this year, will be working to increase awareness, advocate for adoption, improve accessibility, research best practices, and optimize treatment recommendations.

If you would like to join the The Naltrexone Alliance, sign up here.

"Since embarking on my journey with Oar, my relationship with alcohol has undergone a significant transformation.

Prior to Oar, alcohol always had a strong grip on me, but my use of naltrexone has been instrumental to my recovery process. It helped diminish my cravings enough that I now feel empowered to resist the temptations and triggers that previously would have led me to overindulge. It has enabled me to take charge of my alcohol consumption and to make healthier decisions. 

My association with alcohol is now more deliberate and conscious, as I am no longer controlled by irresistible urges. 

Thanks to naltrexone and Oar's guidance, I can approach alcohol with a clear mind and self-awareness, ultimately leading to a more rewarding and balanced life."
‍
‍‍— EM, Oar Health Member

Say hello to Erica Mallery, the brains behind ShameOver!

Erica gets it — she went from being a daily drinker to having a "take it or leave it" mindset, cutting her intake by over 90%. Now, she’s on a mission to help others find that perfect balance, too.

ShameOver is all about moderation, not deprivation. With Erica’s group coaching, the deep-dive Lose the Hangover Bootcamp, and seasonal programs like Lower October and Hangover-Free Holidays, you’ll discover how to enjoy your nights without the next-day regret.

Want even more? Tune into ShameOver the Podcast for real talk, expert insights, and that extra boost of motivation.

Say goodbye to the all-or-nothing mindset. With ShameOver's support, you can live your healthiest, happiest life. Cheers to that!

Makes one serving
7.5 oz. Coupe or Cocktail Glass

1.5 oz. Non-Alcoholic Spiced Rum (like ISH Caribbean Spiced Rum Alternative*)
.5 oz. Non-alcoholic Coffee Liqueur (like Lyre’s Coffee Originale)
1 oz. Freshly Brewed Espresso1 oz. Pumpkin Spice Syrup**
1 oz. AquafabaWhole Star Anise for Garnish

Combine ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Strain liquid into chilled coupe. Garnish with whole star anise atop of the foam.

**Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1 cup Pumpkin Puree
1 cup Demerara Sugar
1 cup Water
1.5 tbsp. Pumpkin Spice 

Combine ingredients in a medium sauce pan and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Allow to cool and strain through colander lined with cheesecloth.

The Introverted Alcoholic | Psychology Today 
“Introverts and alcoholism pair well. Any sort of dinner party or social gathering often had me pouring a ‘pre-talking’ glass or two of wine. … I had poured alcohol all over any feelings of discomfort for so long that my introversion had escalated into maladaptive behavior.

Deep Links Between Alcohol And Cancer Are Described In New Report | The New York Times
‍“Adults under age 50 have been developing breast cancer and colorectal cancer at increasingly higher rates over the last few decades, and alcohol use may be one factor driving the trend, according to a scientific report published on Wednesday.”

Recovery Month: Pathways to Recovery | National Council for Mental Wellbeing
‍“An increasing number of primary care doctors are prescribing medications for alcohol and other substance use disorders, although the need still vastly outweighs the availability of such treatments.”

5 Reasons Why People Take Naltrexone Long-Term | Oar Health
‍“Finding the proper treatment that leads to abstinence or alcohol reduction can take years and is often a challenging road. If you’ve tried other forms of treatment before naltrexone without achieving the goals you set for yourself, you might choose to continue a treatment program that has been proven to work for you. If naltrexone has been helpful, long-term usage can help sustain alcohol reduction or cessation goals.”

Want to stop harmful drinking? AA versus SMART Recovery | Harvard Health Publishing
‍“Many people find peer support helps them take steps toward recovery. Two well-known self-help organizations built around peer support are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery). Why do people choose those different paths — and what do they like, dislike, and find helpful about their chosen option? To find out, researchers questioned 80 participants enrolled in a two-year study about recovery from alcohol use disorder (20 each in AA, SMART Recovery, both, or neither).”