Ozempic vs Naltrexone: Understanding the Key Differences for Alcohol Recovery

September 16, 2025•4 min read

Key Takeaways

Ozempic and Naltrexone are very different medications, each targeting distinct areas of the brain and body.
Ozempic is designed to manage type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss by reducing hunger.
Naltrexone is specifically designed to reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol.
Only naltrexone is clinically approved for use in alcohol recovery and is central to The Sinclair Method.
Understanding the role of naltrexone can help you choose a targeted, effective approach to managing alcohol use disorder.

What Is Ozempic?

You’ve likely seen Ozempic mentioned across social media or in weight loss headlines. It’s a powerful medication that’s transforming how we treat obesity and type 2 diabetes—but it’s not meant for alcohol use.

Here’s what Ozempic does:

Mimics a hormone called GLP‑1 to regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Slows digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer.
Lowers blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Taken as a once-weekly injection.
Commonly used off-label for weight loss (also sold as Wegovy).

Ozempic changes how the body responds to hunger and fullness, and has been proven to support sustainable weight loss. But while it may incidentally reduce alcohol cravings in some individuals, this is not its intended or approved use.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication with a completely different purpose—and it’s at the heart of our work here at Rethink Drink.

Naltrexone is used to:

Treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid addiction.
Reduce cravings by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
Diminish the pleasurable effects of alcohol when consumed.
Support a method known as pharmacological extinction—unlearning the habit of drinking.
Taken either daily or only before drinking, depending on the approach.

When used correctly, especially through the Sinclair Method, naltrexone helps you rewire your brain’s response to alcohol. Over time, the drive to drink fades—not because you’re forcing it, but because your brain no longer links alcohol with pleasure.

Explore our free mini-course to discover exactly how this works in practice.

Why People Are Comparing the Two

Recently, some have begun referring to naltrexone as the “Ozempic for alcohol”—because both medications affect cravings and reward systems.

But that comparison only goes so far. While they may share some overlap in how they alter behaviour around consumption, their primary roles are quite different:

Ozempic:

Developed for blood sugar control and weight loss.
Reduces general hunger but not targeted at substance use.
No formal role in alcohol recovery.

Naltrexone:

Designed specifically for alcohol and opioid dependence.
Blunts the pleasure of drinking.
Clinically proven for reducing alcohol consumption.

Why Naltrexone Is the Right Choice for Alcohol Recovery

Ozempic may help some individuals drink less by suppressing appetite, but it doesn't directly address the neurological reward loop behind alcohol addiction.

Naltrexone, on the other hand, was made for this purpose. It targets the exact brain chemistry that fuels alcohol cravings, making it far more effective and sustainable for those looking to reduce or quit drinking.

Here’s why naltrexone is the better option:

Backed by decades of clinical research for alcohol use.
Works with your body, not against it, to gradually reduce drinking.
Doesn't require abstinence—you can continue to drink while retraining your brain.
Especially effective when used through the Sinclair Method.
Allows for a guilt-free, shame-free approach to cutting back.

If you're curious about how this might fit into your own journey, you can book a free screening call with us to talk it through.

The Sinclair Method: Naltrexone in Action

At Rethink Drink, we specialise in guiding people through recovery using the Sinclair Method—a proven, science-based strategy that relies on naltrexone to change your relationship with alcohol over time.

With this method:

You take naltrexone only before drinking.
It blocks the “buzz” alcohol gives you.
Your brain gradually disassociates alcohol from pleasure.
Drinking naturally reduces over time, without extreme willpower.
No shame, no pressure to quit cold turkey—just consistent progress.

You can read more about our approach and our story on the home page.

Final Thoughts

While Ozempic has gained attention for its appetite-suppressing effects, it is not a solution for alcohol use disorder. It’s a tool for weight loss and blood sugar management, not for targeting the reward centres linked to addiction.

Naltrexone, on the other hand, is a specialist medication for alcohol recovery. When used within the framework of the Sinclair Method, it offers a gentle yet powerful route to change—one that works with your biology, not against it.

If you’re struggling with alcohol and looking for a path that’s backed by science and centred on your goals, we’re here to help. The next step is easy—book your free screening call and let’s talk.

Bruce Rose

Bruce brings to Rethink Drink a profound dedication to transforming lives through innovative approaches to alcohol recovery. With over a decade of experience in addiction recovery management, Bruce has witnessed the challenges and triumphs of those striving to overcome dependency. Bruce's approach is characterised by a belief in empowerment through education and support. Having seen the limitations of traditional abstinence-based methods, he advocates for TSM as a means to address alcohol use disorder by targeting its neurological roots, rather than merely its symptoms. As a thought leader in the field, Bruce is dedicated to the continual development of Rethink Drink's recovery model, ensuring it remains at the forefront of modern, effective recovery strategies. His leadership is driven by the core values of clarity, compassion, and unwavering support for each individual's journey towards a healthier future.

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