Alcohol Use MAT

Our philosophy recognizes there is no one size fits all in managing mental health or substance use issues. We recognize that support services, therapy, medication management, or higher levels of care depends on the individual and their situation.

Similar to the use of medications for the management of chronic medical and psychiatric conditions it is also effective in substance use disorders. 

Lake currently provides medications as a treatment for opioid dependence with Suboxone and Naltrexone. Over the past decade researchers have determined Naltrexone, in addition to support and counseling services, is a successful treatment for harm reduction, over drinking, heavy drinking, cravings, and relapse.

Naltrexone blocks the loop that can make it difficult for people to stop drinking once they consume a few drinks. It blocks the receptors that cause the euphoric/intoxicated feelings. This loop heightens cravings and decreases the ability to drink less or remain abstinent. 

Naltrexone is prescribed as a once daily pill, it is not addictive, and does not cause withdrawal symptoms.  There is no potential for abuse or diversion and is effective for short- or long-term use.

We recognize that alcohol use and misuse lie on a spectrum, each person is different, and their relationship with alcohol is unique. 

We are pleased to offer Medication Assisted Care for Alcohol Use for current and upcoming patients of Lake Behavioral Health. As always, prescribing and counseling services will be non-judgmental, supportive, and confidential. 

Naltrexone is a medication used to treat alcohol use issues. Studies have proven it has been found to reduce heavy drinking, frequency of drinking, cravings for alcohol, and relapse. We recognize that alcohol use and misuse lie on a spectrum, each person is different, and their relationship with alcohol is unique.

Often called the “loop”; alcohol triggers endorphins that attach to our receptors that trigger our reward systems, making us feel good or euphoric. The behavior is rewarded by these receptors and then the behavior is repeated, i.e., drink, release endorphins, feel good, and repeat. Naltrexone blocks the loop by preventing the positive reward.

Naltrexone does not have potential for addiction or mis-use.

Please discuss with your provider. Some people take it every day, while others only take it before drinking. It is most effective when taken for longer than 3 months and can be taken indefinitely. It typically works within a few hours and is effective throughout the day.  You may notice a change in cravings within the first few weeks.

We suggest a comprehensive approach for your medication assisted care. While some are able to do it on their own, we recommend counseling and community support recovery services. We will schedule you with one of our licensed therapists where available or make a referral. Community support recovery services may be online or in person and include such services as:

• Smart Recovery
• Women for Sobriety (WFS)
• Save our Selves (SOS)
• Life Ring
• Moderation Management (MM)
• Harm Reduction for Alcohol (HAMS)
• Refuge Recovery
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)