Treating alcohol dependence is one of the main benefits of naltrexone. An overwhelming body of clinical evidence clearly supports its effects on alcohol cravings:
In women with alcohol use disorders, naltrexone treatment reduced drinking quantity and time to relapse.
In patients with alcohol dependence and at least 4 days of abstinence, naltrexone administration at a dose of 100 mg daily for 16 weeks significantly increased days of abstinence and reduced the risk of heavy-drinking days.
In male alcohol-dependent patients, naltrexone treatment for 12 weeks prevented alcohol relapse without any adverse side effects.