Could a tiny implant curb alcohol cravings? new trial tests Long-Acting naltrexone

NCT ID NCT07333638

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Phase 2 trial tested whether a naltrexone implant, placed under the skin, can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less heavily. 210 adults received either a low-dose, high-dose, or placebo implant, plus counseling. Researchers tracked heavy drinking days over 24 weeks and monitored safety for 48 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

naltrexone implant

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a long-acting treatment option to help people with alcohol use disorder reduce heavy drinking.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 trial with a moderate number of participants, so results may not confirm effectiveness or safety. The implant requires a minor surgical procedure, which carries infection or discomfort risks.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Address: No. 139, Renmin Road Central, Changsha City

    Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China