There are several medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat alcohol dependence and support recovery from alcoholism.
These medications are used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. Here are some commonly used medications:- Disulfiram (Antabuse): This medication works by causing a severe adverse reaction when someone taking the medication consumes alcohol. Consuming alcohol
while on Disulfiram results in symptoms such as nausea, flushing, dizziness, and palpitations which can be quite uncomfortable. This aversive effect discourages
alcohol consumption.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia): Naltrexone helps reduce the craving for alcohol by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain that
are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and the craving for alcohol. It can be taken orally or as a monthly injection.
- Acamprosate (Campral):
This medication helps stabilize the brain activity in someone who has quit drinking by modulating the neurotransmitter systems that have been altered by
alcohol. Acamprosate is used to help maintain abstinence in people who have already stopped drinking. These medications are not suitable for everyone, and
their effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances, including the severity of the addiction, any co-existing medical or psychiatric conditions,
and other factors. Thus, they should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider who can tailor the treatment according to the individual's
needs.
