Medication for Alcoholism: Disulfiram, Naltrexone, Campral, Acamprosate

Ron believes that tackling addiction from this neurological perspective has potential for broad applications. She notes that while we see addiction with a wide chemical array of molecules—alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, opiates, and the like—the addictive behavior that results from each is the same. The tactic worked like a charm when it was tested on the mice by Yann Ehinger, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Ron’s lab. “We could see these side effects in mice who are taking rapamycin or RapaLink-1, and then when you give Rapablock, it’s like magic, the side effects are gone,” said Ron. The research reported here was supported by the National Institutes of Health awards AA016651, AA013519, AA010760, AA07468, AA027692, U01 AA013498, DA013429, P60AA06420 and U01AA025476; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awards BX000313, BX and IK2 BX002488; and a gift from the John R. Andrews Family.

Mechanism of action is unknown, but it enhances GABA transmission and inhibits glutamate transmission. Compared with placebo, reduces drinking frequency and effectively increases abstinence in patients with alcoholism. That means that it lasts for a long time, or it causes problems again and again. Most people who are alcoholics still feel a strong desire for alcohol even after they stop drinking.

Alcoholism Medication

Because AUD can be a chronic relapsing disease, persistence is key. It is rare that someone would go to treatment once and then never drink again. More often, people must repeatedly try to quit or cut back, experience recurrences, learn from them, and then keep trying.

A trial randomized 170 patients with alcohol dependence and depression to 14 weeks of cognitive behavior therapy plus sertraline (Zoloft; 200 mg per day), naltrexone (100 mg per day), both medications, or double placebo. Those taking a combination of sertraline and naltrexone had higher abstinence rates and a longer delay before relapse to heavy drinking compared with those taking placebo or either agent alone. Ondansetron (Zofran) may decrease alcohol consumption in patients with AUD. Importantly, individuals looking to discontinue alcohol use should consider seeking help from health care providers and counseling services, who have access to better, prescription medications for alcoholism treatment.

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This is because patients with alcohol or drugs in their system will experience strong side effects of the medication, such as nausea and vomiting when combined with other substances. To avoid any uncomfortable symptoms, medical providers typically wait until after the detox process is complete before administering this medication. Just as some people with diabetes or asthma may have flare-ups of their disease, a relapse to drinking can be seen as a 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober Living House temporary setback to full recovery and not a complete failure. Seeking professional help can prevent relapse—behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Most people benefit from regular checkups with a treatment provider. Medications also can deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of relapse (e.g., divorce, death of a family member).