Dear Doctor: How does naltrexone work in treating those with alcohol use disorder?

DEAR DR. ROACH: What do you think of the Sinclair Method for dealing with an alcoholic? -- M.D.

ANSWER: Naltrexone is approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorder under the Food and Drug Administration. (The terms “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” aren’t used in a medical sense anymore. They seem to be judgmental and downplay the fact that this condition can be successfully treated.)

The Sinclair Method uses naltrexone, a medication that is often used for the treatment of opioid use disorder, to reduce the enjoyment people get with consuming alcohol, which makes for less cravings and more control over drinking. A major advantage of this method, which is used by many programs, is that it does not require total abstinence.

This can be beneficial for some people who feel awkward in social