Alcoholism and opiate addiction have some underlying biochemical similarities that a lot of people seem unaware of, even though this explains the effectiveness of naltrexone. For background:
> "Opioid Systems. Endogenous opioids are small molecules naturally produced in the body that resemble morphine and have long been implicated in the actions of opiate drugs and alcohol. There are three classes of endogenous opioids: endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins. They all exert their effects by interacting with three subtypes of opioid receptors—μ, δ, and κ. Researchers have hypothesized that positive alcohol reinforcement is mediated at least in part by the release of endogenous opioids in the brain. This hypothesis is supported by numerous studies demonstrating that opioid antagonists acting either at all opioid receptor subtypes or only at specific subtypes suppress alcohol drinking in a variety of species and models (for a review, see Ulm et al. 1995). Moreover, complete inactivation (i.e., knockout) of the μ-opioid receptor blocks alcohol self-administration in mice (Roberts et al. 2000b). The agent naltrexone, a subtype-nonspecific opioid receptor antagonist, currently is approved as a treatment for alcoholism in humans and is particularly effective in reducing heavy drinking."
Psychedelic drugs have also been used very effectively under controlled conditions (clinical settings) to break both opiate and alcohol addiction with remarkably high success rates. This is an entirely different approach than using blockers like naltrexone. For example:
> "It is believed that these agents allow for the reorganization of disordered neural pathways in the default mode network and attenuate maladaptive signaling in mesolimbic reward circuitry. The aim of this review is to examine the current standing of evidence regarding psychedelic psychopharmacology and to provide an overview of the use and effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of SUD, alcohol use disorder, and for smoking cessation."
> "Opioid Systems. Endogenous opioids are small molecules naturally produced in the body that resemble morphine and have long been implicated in the actions of opiate drugs and alcohol. There are three classes of endogenous opioids: endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins. They all exert their effects by interacting with three subtypes of opioid receptors—μ, δ, and κ. Researchers have hypothesized that positive alcohol reinforcement is mediated at least in part by the release of endogenous opioids in the brain. This hypothesis is supported by numerous studies demonstrating that opioid antagonists acting either at all opioid receptor subtypes or only at specific subtypes suppress alcohol drinking in a variety of species and models (for a review, see Ulm et al. 1995). Moreover, complete inactivation (i.e., knockout) of the μ-opioid receptor blocks alcohol self-administration in mice (Roberts et al. 2000b). The agent naltrexone, a subtype-nonspecific opioid receptor antagonist, currently is approved as a treatment for alcoholism in humans and is particularly effective in reducing heavy drinking."
Neurobiology of Alchohol Dependence, Focus on Motivational Mechanisms https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh313/185-195.htm
Psychedelic drugs have also been used very effectively under controlled conditions (clinical settings) to break both opiate and alcohol addiction with remarkably high success rates. This is an entirely different approach than using blockers like naltrexone. For example:
"Psychedelics as an emerging novel intervention in the treatment of substance use disorder: a review " https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33231817/
> "It is believed that these agents allow for the reorganization of disordered neural pathways in the default mode network and attenuate maladaptive signaling in mesolimbic reward circuitry. The aim of this review is to examine the current standing of evidence regarding psychedelic psychopharmacology and to provide an overview of the use and effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of SUD, alcohol use disorder, and for smoking cessation."