Discover How Naltrexone Helped Aisling Goodwin Overcome Alcohol Dependence and Binge Eating

Actress Aisling Goodwin shares her incredible journey from nightly drinking to sobriety, thanks to a £3 naltrexone pill that also curbed her junk food cravings.

Aisling Goodwin, a 41-year-old actress from Dublin, Ireland, never considered herself much of a drinker. Her social life revolved around film festivals and premieres, where she would occasionally enjoy a few glasses of red wine. However, a difficult break-up last year sent her down a path of nightly drinking and binge eating that she struggled to escape.

What began as a single glass of wine to help her sleep escalated into a nightly ritual of three glasses or even a whole bottle. Along with the increased alcohol consumption came a dependence on junk food, particularly crisps. Aisling felt trapped, unable to confide in anyone or break the cycle on her own.

A Turning Point on Christmas Eve

Everything changed for Aisling on Christmas Eve last year. Sitting alone at home, she broke down in tears, realizing that her life had become consumed by alcohol and unhealthy habits. She recalls thinking, “There has to be more to life than this.” That same night, while browsing TikTok, she discovered a woman who had successfully quit drinking using a medication called naltrexone.

Initially skeptical, Aisling was intrigued by the claims that naltrexone could reduce alcohol cravings. Despite her doubts, she decided to give it a try. She purchased a month’s supply of the tablets, along with 12 weeks of coaching sessions, for around £600.

The Science Behind Naltrexone

Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain that are associated with binge-drinking. This action makes alcohol less pleasurable and reduces the desire to drink. Studies have shown that naltrexone has a near 80 per cent success rate at helping users drastically reduce or eliminate drinking altogether. In contrast, traditional rehabilitation methods like Alcoholics Anonymous have success rates of less than 15 per cent.

Dr. Peter McCann, medical director of residential rehabilitation centre Castle Craig, advocates for broader access to naltrexone. He suggests that the medication could be prescribed through primary care, provided GPs receive appropriate training and support from specialist alcohol services. Dr. Philippa Kaye, a London-based GP, agrees, noting that improving access to such medications could benefit both patients and the NHS.

A Surprising Side Effect: Reduced Snacking

Aisling was surprised to find that naltrexone also curbed her cravings for junk food. On the first night she took the pill, she finished only half a packet of lentil crisps, something she had never done before. The next night, she found that her wine didn’t taste as enjoyable, and she had no desire for crisps at all.

Experts suggest that naltrexone’s ability to tackle compulsive behaviors beyond drinking, such as snacking, is due to the overlapping reward pathways in the brain that both food and alcohol activate. However, the evidence for its effectiveness in treating alcohol use disorder is much stronger.

A Lasting Transformation

Since starting naltrexone, Aisling has experienced a remarkable transformation. She no longer feels the urge to drink at home or snack on junk food. She has also lost weight, dropping from a size 10 to a size 8. Aisling credits the medication with acting as a “circuit-breaker” on her brain, helping her reclaim her life.

Harvey Bhandal, managing director of The Sinclair Method UK, emphasizes that many moderate drinkers like Aisling could benefit from naltrexone. He notes that these individuals often appear in control on the outside but privately struggle with their alcohol consumption. Aisling now recommends naltrexone to her friends in the film industry, where addiction is prevalent, and encourages others to explore this life-changing option.