Yes, there are several medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can help with alcohol dependence. These medications support recovery by reducing the urge to drink, facilitating abstinence, or creating adverse effects if alcohol is consumed. Here are three commonly prescribed medications:

1. Disulfiram (Antabuse): This medication discourages drinking by causing a severe adverse reaction when someone on the medication consumes alcohol. These reactions can include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches, which begin about 10 minutes after alcohol ingestion and can last for an hour or more.
2. Naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia): Naltrexone helps reduce the craving for alcohol. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol, ultimately helping to decrease the desire to drink.
3. Acamprosate (Campral): This medication is thought to balance chemicals in the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcohol withdrawal. Acamprosate can help individuals maintain abstinence after they have stopped drinking. It's important for anyone seeking help for alcohol dependence to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment based on their individual needs and medical history. These medications are often used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to enhance recovery outcomes.