New mint can treat alcoholism and fight binge drinking

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 12 and older struggle with alcohol use disorder. Adults can take a Clutch 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.

The tablet is said to work quickly, providing support in a matter of seconds.

Since it dissolves under the tongue in less than a minute, the medication bypasses digestion and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

This can translate into fewer side effects that tend to accompany naltrexone, like 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, empowering them to take back control over alcohol.”

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 healthcare 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.

Hunt-Glassman said Clutch does not 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.

“Medical professionals… may prescribe Clutch for daily use or targeted use, taking the medication before a drinking occasion or before entering a high-risk situation,” Hunt-Glassman said.

“Although daily use is the best studied approach, evidence is accumulating that targeted use can also be effective, perhaps especially for binge drinkers.”

While 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.

“[Of the 28 million Americans who 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 wellbeing,” 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.”