Old Addiction Drug Now Curbs Shopping, Scrolling, Gambling

For anyone who's ever lost hours to mindless scrolling or made impulse purchases they regretted, science may have an unexpected solution hiding in plain sight.

Naltrexone, a medication approved decades ago for alcohol use disorder, is now showing promise in treating a range of compulsive behaviors from gambling to shopping to internet addiction. The discovery opens doors for millions struggling with habits they can't seem to break.

"Alcohol triggers the release of natural opioids, which create a pleasurable buzz," explains Dr. Astik Joshi, psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital in Delhi. "Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks them, so you don't experience the usual high."

The medication has long helped people reduce alcohol cravings and avoid relapse. But researchers noticed something intriguing: the same brain pathways that make drinking feel rewarding also light up during other compulsive behaviors.

Early studies suggest Naltrexone can reduce gambling urges and severity with moderate effectiveness. Small trials have shown promising results for compulsive shopping, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The drug may even help with hair-pulling behaviors and stealing impulses, according to preliminary studies. Researchers are also exploring its potential for cannabis and stimulant use disorders.

Why This Inspires

What makes this discovery particularly exciting is that it addresses a growing modern crisis. Internet addiction and compulsive shopping affect millions worldwide, yet treatment options remain limited.

The medication offers hope precisely because it targets the underlying biology rather than requiring pure willpower. For people who've blamed themselves for lacking self-control, understanding that their brain chemistry plays a role can be profoundly liberating.

Dr. Joshi emphasizes that Naltrexone isn't a magic solution. Addiction involves complex biological, psychological, and social factors, and the best outcomes combine medication with therapy, behavioral interventions, and family support.

The increasing acceptance of mental health treatment means more people can access these tools without shame. When used appropriately under medical supervision, Naltrexone can help patients regain control over their lives and reduce their risk of relapse.

As awareness grows and stigma fades, repurposing existing medications offers a faster path to relief than developing entirely new drugs. For families watching loved ones struggle with compulsive behaviors, this research represents tangible hope backed by science.

The key lies in comprehensive care: medication as one tool in a larger toolkit that includes therapy and support systems. Together, these approaches are empowering people to break free from patterns that once felt impossible to change.