Healing Alcoholism and Anxiety with Low-Dose Naltrexone

Did you know only 43% of adults with a mental illness receive any kind of mental health care in the States? According to NIMH, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from mental health illness, but a lot of people don’t seek help. Think about people struggling with alcoholism, weight issues, or feeling the overwhelming fatigue of long-COVID, and nothing seems to work. While conventional treatments are at times effective, they also come with side effects that might make the patient worse.

(Source: https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/mental-health-statistics/)

However, what if there was a medication that could address all of these concerns at once and is also affordable and well-tolerated? That’s when low-dose naltrexone (LDN) comes into the big picture. Recommended by functional medicine psychiatrists, this medicine is a game-changer in offering new hope to people facing challenges from alcoholism to anxiety and beyond.

So, naltrexone, in its full-dose form, was first approved by the FDA in the 1980s to treat opioid addiction. When taken at much lower doses (typically between 0.5mg and 4.5mg), Naltrexone has a unique impact on the body. Instead of simply blocking opioid receptors, LDN can boost endorphin production and modulate the immune system, which makes it a powerful tool for addressing inflammation, mental health issues, and more.

In fact, the drug is also used in holistic psychiatry. It has been repurposed to help with a wide range of conditions, including alcoholism, weight loss, depression, anxiety, and even chronic fatigue syndrome. Intrigued? Read on to dig deeper into why LDN is causing such a stir in the medical community.

LDN can reduce cravings and block the pleasurable effects of alcohol so that people can gain more control over their consumption. Unlike some treatments that cause aversion or unpleasant side effects, LDN’s low-dose regimen subtly balances the brain’s reward system, making recovery more manageable for many. If you or a loved one has struggled with alcohol addiction, you know how challenging it can be to break free from its grip.

How does LDN help with weight loss? Well, it can regulate endorphin levels and reduce inflammation, which can help curb emotional eating and cravings, which significantly aid weight gain. In addition, it also modulates the immune system, which improves metabolic function and makes it easier for individuals to maintain a healthy weight. However, you need to understand that LDN isn’t a magic pill for weight loss. Although it can address both psychological and biological factors, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to shed those extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

Inflammation is increasingly being recognized as a root cause of several chronic conditions, including depression, anxiety, and long-COVID. LDN’s anti-inflammatory properties have shown promise in reducing these symptoms, offering relief where traditional treatments may fall short.

For individuals battling long-term or chronic fatigue syndrome, the low-dose regimen helps reduce the inflammatory response that exacerbates fatigue, brain fog, and physical discomfort. Similarly, for those dealing with depression and anxiety, LDN helps to improve mood by boosting endorphins—your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has long been a frustrating and misunderstood condition. For many patients, symptoms persist despite trying various treatments. LDN offers a beacon of hope by reducing the systemic inflammation that contributes to fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties.

Looking for professionals to help you continue your journey with functional medicine in Cedar Rapids, IA, or St Thomas, USVI? Contact our team of experienced psychiatrists and functional medicine specialists at Holistic Wellness & Psychiatry today!