What is the relationship of naltrexone to AA and other support groups?
There is no contradiction between participating in support groups and taking naltrexone. In fact, one multisite study showed that naltrexone-taking subjects who attended mutual-support groups, such as AA, had better outcomes. It is most likely to be effective for patients whose goal is to stop drinking altogether. If other mutual-support group members caution against taking any medications, patients should refer them to the pamphlet “The AA Member—Medications and Other Drugs,” which explicitly states that AA members should not “play doctor” and advise others on medication provided by legitimate, informed medical practitioners or treatment programs.
