You may wonder if there are medications to help with alcoholism. There are actually three, and we are going to look at each one and how they work.
Remember, though; you need to speak to your physician about these medications if you wish to try one of them to see which one may work best for you.
Antabuse (Disulfiram)
Antabuse (disulfiram) is a deterrent. When someone who is taking Antabuse and then drinks with it, they suffer a serious unpleasant reaction, which is why it is considered an impediment to drinking.
What is the reaction? Generally, a person who has taken Antabuse and then drinks alcohol will vomit. At first, disulfiram was given in greater dosages to create aversion conditioning to alcohol by making the patients very sick if they consumed alcohol. Later, the dosages were made smaller after many reported severe reactions (including some deaths).
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works by reducing the cravings. This medication works in the brain by blocking the high people get from alcohol or other substances. Clinical trials were done in the late ’80s, and early ’90s showed that Naltrexone combined with psychosocial therapy could reduce alcohol cravings and decrease the chances of relapse in alcoholics.
Campral (Acamprosate)
Campral, the most recent drug approved by the FDA to treat alcoholics, reduces the physical suffering and emotional distress drinkers usually experience when they quit drinking. The FDA approved this drug in 2004, but it has a twenty-year record in Europe.
Side effects of medications
The most common side effects of all these medications are:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Sleep issues
- Fatigue
Other side effects may occur. If any of these side effects persist or become worse, talk to your doctor right away. Remember, you are using the medication for a reason.
Serious side effects can include allergic reactions and death. As with all medications, there is a slight risk. That is why it is essential to see your doctor and discuss with them which one will best suit you and your needs.
Help recovering from alcohol misuse
If you or a loved one needs help recovering from alcohol misuse, one of these three drugs combined with rehab could be the answer. However, see your physician before starting one of these drugs.
449 Recovery can help you with rehab, combined with one of these medications. We provide a safe, clean environment for you to receive help. We also offer other therapies to teach you tools to use to reduce your chances of relapse. Call us today (855) 435-7449 with any questions and to learn more about our recovery therapies. We also provide a continuously monitored detox program.
Even if you can’t take one of these medications, 449 Recovery can still help you reach and maintain recovery. It is our goal that when you leave our recovery center that you have all the tools, you need to reduce the chances of relapse.