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There’s a new way to treat alcoholism — and it’s as easy as popping a candy.
Clutch, from Oar Health, is said to be the first mint designed to reduce alcohol cravings and curb heavy drinking.
Nearly 28 million Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder. Adults who are prescribed Clutch can take it once a day or right before enjoying a night out.
The novel treatment is a special formulation of naltrexone, a prescription-only medication that addresses alcohol and opioid abuse.
Naltrexone decreases the urge for alcohol by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces the dopamine-reward effect that people get from drinking. Alcohol then no longer has the same satisfying feeling, which helps cut cravings.
Since it dissolves under the tongue in less than a minute, the medication bypasses the digestive system and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
This translates to fewer of the side effects that can accompany naltrexone in other forms, such as nausea and upset stomach.
“While the classic formulation is a great option, we’ve learned that some [people] need a discreet option they can use in the moments when alcohol use is most difficult to avoid or control,” Oar Health founder and CEO Jonathan Hunt-Glassman told The Post.
Clutch “meets those needs,” he said, “empowering them to take back control over alcohol.”
The mints don’t require strict alcohol abstinence and can be taken before high-risk situations — which may make it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of people.
They can be prescribed for either daily use or targeted use — meaning patients can have them as part of their routine or simply take them before an occasion when they’ll be drinking.
“Although daily use is the best studied approach, evidence is accumulating that targeted use can also be effective, perhaps especially for binge drinkers,” Hunt-Glassman said.
Those who want to try Clutch need to complete an online consultation with an Oar professional, who will write a prescription and treatment plan if appropriate.
Oar charges $50 for a consultation, while a three-month subscription membership plan is $297.
Though the mint is primarily for those who meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder, Clutch may be helpful to anyone wanting to booze less.
“About 28 million Americans have alcohol use disorder. This includes many people who would not describe themselves as alcoholics, but rather as trying to cut back or quit to improve their health, relationships, job performance or overall well-being,” Hunt-Glassman said.
“We are proud to support people with the goal of reducing or quitting alcohol use,” he added. “Any significant reduction in alcohol use is likely to yield significant benefits in health and well-being.”
Besides naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat alcohol use disorder.
Acamprosate requires monitoring from a health care professional because potential side effects include suicidal thoughts and depression, along with the less severe side effects of diarrhea, gas and nausea.
And disulfiram can cause severe, potentially life-threatening reactions if taken with alcohol.
