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Despite its effectiveness, the drug is rarely prescribedTablets against alcohol addiction – does naltrexone really make you sober permanently?
The salvation for all addicts?
Nathalie Stüben was addicted to alcohol for many years. Although she managed to get out of her addiction with the help of a rehab clinic, staying sober permanently remains the biggest challenge for many of those affected. The drug naltrexone could help in the long term. However, the tablets are rarely prescribed. RTL spoke to chief physician Dr. Peter Strate spoken. You can find out in the video whether naltrexone really makes you sober long-term.
Drug for alcohol addicts – thanks to naltrexone “drinking is no longer fun”
According to Dr. Peter Strate, the chief physician at the addiction clinic, a drug that works “against the body’s own opioids”. These are “substances that help with pain and well-being,” says Dr. Strate. Naltrexone therefore has an indirect influence on the body's reward system.
Reading tip: “I’ve been sober for nine years!” How Nathalie Stüben overcame her alcohol addiction
“This means that when you take the medication, it causes you to no longer enjoy drinking“, the chief physician clarifies. Although naltrexone is not a miracle cure for addicts, it can help with withdrawal. Nevertheless, the tablets are prescribed comparatively rarely in Germany. Dr. Peter Strate knows the background.
Despite its effect on alcohol addiction! Why naltrexone is so rarely prescribed
“The drug itself would actually be an effective remedy if it was recognized that a person had developed an addiction,” says Dr. Peter Strate clearly. The problem is not the effect of naltrexone. Rather, it is due to the lack of admission from those affected.
Reading tip: Are you addicted to alcohol? Six-point check shows alarm signs
“90 percent of people who are eligible for treatment never get into a clinic or the addiction support system“, reveals the chief physician. Only when addicts actively seek help can the treating doctor prescribe the medication.
Important: If you often feel like you're drinking too much but can't resist it, you can also ask your trusted doctor for help. There is another preparation (similar to naltrexone) that can help those affected, like Dr. Peter Strate explains in the video above.
Sources used: Own RTL research
