New Naltrexone Mint Aims to Curb Alcohol Cravings Fast

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Introducing Clutch

Naltrexone is FDA-approved to treat alcohol dependence since the 1990s, typically taken as a daily pill or a once-monthly injection. It blunts the rewarding effects of alcohol in the brain, which can reduce cravings over time. Clutch, made by a company called Oar Health, delivers the same medication in a mint that dissolves on the tongue and absorbs directly into the bloodstream. This approach works faster than a swallowed pill and without some of the nausea side effects people report with the standard oral form.

The scientific backdrop shows that naltrexone works. Naltrexone itself has a long track record of peer-reviewed research behind it. Clutch’s mint-specific formulation is new, and clinical trial data specific to this delivery method aren’t yet available. The manufacturer’s own statements should be read with that in mind.

How Mints Fit into Recovery

The company behind Clutch has described flexible ways for usage in awkward situations where you might hesitate coming out as sober, rather than only as a daily medication. That kind of framing can appeal to folks who haven’t committed to abstinence but still want to reduce heavy or binge drinking episodes.

That’s a different starting point than where most Sober.com readers are. For those already sober or working a 12-step program, the more relevant piece of this story is it’s connection to the medication side of alcohol use disorder treatment broadly. Naltrexone, taken daily, remains one of the best-studied medications for supporting abstinence and reducing relapse risk, alongside acamprosate and disulfiram.

A faster-acting, easier-to-tolerate delivery method could make it easier for some people to stay consistent with a medication that’s already proven to help.

AA and Medication Don’t Compete

Some AA traditions have historically been cautious about medication, but the current evidence base clearly supports medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder, including for people who also attend AA meetings and work a 12-step program. Medication and peer support address different parts of recovery. One doesn’t replace the other.

If cravings have been a persistent challenge in your recovery, it’s worth asking your doctor whether a medication like naltrexone in any form might help, alongside your meetings and sponsor relationships, not instead of them.

Staying Sober with Practical Tips

Even if you don’t take meds, you can still take steps today. Tracking your sobriety day by day, noticing patterns in when cravings show up and having a plan for high-risk moments are all things you can start today.

The Sober App helps track your sobriety streak and notice patterns over time. A doctor might need this useful information if you’re considering any medication for cravings.

Start Recovery with AA Meetings

If you need a meeting today, search AA meetings anywhere in the country, including online AA meetings and virtual support groups, through our browsable directory. We have listings for every community across the U.S.

Or, call 800-948-8417 Sponsored and speak with an expert regarding treatment options, including medications for alcohol use disorder.

By Nikki Wisher

By Peter Lee

Nikki Wisher is an Atlanta-based content writer with over a decade of experience. She specializes in creating content related to health and wellness, with topics ranging from addiction recovery to fitness to skin care. She also enjoys creating content in many other areas like photography, beauty, and marketing. Her passion project is her inclusive running blog, forallrunners.com.

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Peter W.Y. Lee is a writer and historian of American history. His primary focus is on the Cold War era. His academic work examines the relationship between youth and popular culture and its impact on U.S. society during the twentieth century.