Which medication acts as an opioid antagonist to reduce cravings and alcohol-induced euphoria?

Which medication acts as an opioid antagonist to reduce cravings and alcohol-induced euphoria?

• A. Disulfiram
• B. Acamprosate
• C. Naltrexone
• D. Gabapentin

Answer: (C)

Blunting the brain’s opioid signals can reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol, which helps lower cravings and the euphoric feel that drinking can produce. Naltrexone is a reversible antagonist at mu-opioid receptors. By blocking those receptors, it prevents endogenous endorphins released during alcohol use from activating the reward pathways, leading to less reinforcement from drinking and fewer cravings. It’s used for alcohol dependence and can be taken daily or given as a long-acting injectable. Other options work through different mechanisms. Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is ingested, serving as a deterrent rather than reducing the reward of drinking. Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence by modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission, not by blocking opioid receptors. Gabapentin can help with withdrawal symptoms and some cravings but does not act as an opioid antagonist.

Blunting the brain’s opioid signals can reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol, which helps lower cravings and the euphoric feel that drinking can produce. Naltrexone is a reversible antagonist at mu-opioid receptors. By blocking those receptors, it prevents endogenous endorphins released during alcohol use from activating the reward pathways, leading to less reinforcement from drinking and fewer cravings. It’s used for alcohol dependence and can be taken daily or given as a long-acting injectable.

Other options work through different mechanisms. Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is ingested, serving as a deterrent rather than reducing the reward of drinking. Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence by modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission, not by blocking opioid receptors. Gabapentin can help with withdrawal symptoms and some cravings but does not act as an opioid antagonist.