Medications Used to Treat Alcohol Cravings
Can Medication Help With Alcohol Cravings?
There are several types of addiction treatment for alcohol dependence, including medications available when treating addiction to alcohol. However, it should be used as part of the full continuum of treatments. Substance abuse programs will include talking therapy, behavioral therapy, 12-step programs, and medications approved by the FDA to treat alcohol dependence. Five medications are used to help reduce alcohol cravings and heavy drinking and assist with maintaining sobriety. Read more below.
5 Medications That Work to Treat Alcohol Cravings
Naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol) is one of the first-line and main treatments for alcohol misuse. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of natural opioids in your body, which can stop or reduce cravings for alcohol, which makes it effective in opioid misuse treatment as well. It is most effective when you stop drinking before taking naltrexone. However, you can start taking naltrexone while you are still drinking. Naltrexone Revia is available as a daily table or a once-monthly injection. Taking naltrexone has helped many people reduce how much they drink and how often.
Acamprosate (Campral) is a medication used once you have stopped drinking. It works by reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. It is available as a pill you take three times a day. Compared to Naltrexone Revia, there was no significant difference in effectiveness. However, Campral Acamprosate requires abstinence, while taking naltrexone does not. They also differ in side effects, with acamprosate Campral generally more well-tolerated and patience experiencing fewer side effects. Some common side effects include diarrhea which goes away within a week.
Antabuse (disulfiram) is another medication used in the treatment of alcoholism. It causes unpleasant effects when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed. These side effects of alcohol when taking disulfiram Antabuse include headache, nausea, chest pain, flushing of the face, weakness, blurred vision, sweating, choking, mental confusion, breathing difficulty, and anxiety. It comes in pill form that is taken once daily. Research suggests increased abstinence when the person is motivated to stay on treatment.
Topamax (Topiramate) is used to treat seizure disorder and migraines and to suppress appetite. It is not currently FDA approved for use in alcohol dependence. However, it can work by altering brain chemicals to reduce the rewarding effects of drinking alcohol. A study found that taking Topamax topiramate over 14 weeks reduced heavy drinking days.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) treats epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia, the pain associated with shingles. This medication is also not FDA approved for stopping drinking, but studies have shown it may help with relapse prevention. It can help treat withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and cravings. The only downside is that gabapentin has potential abuse, which may not be suitable for those with a history of substance abuse.
See how drug and alcohol withdrawal are affected by mental health disorders here:
How Withdrawal Symptoms are Affected by Mental Health Disorders
Alcohol Rehab Novo
When it comes to alcohol addiction, your best chance at a full, long-term recovery is a substance abuse treatment program like Novo Detox. Our residential inpatient treatment program has helped many dealing with alcohol use disorders through comprehensive, individualized treatment plans.
Part of our services includes medical alcohol detox, which includes 24/7 medical supervision and several FDA-approved medications for alcohol dependence. Our medication-assisted treatment program is only part of your addiction treatment with us. Substance abuse treatment at Novo Detox includes several forms of individual talking therapy, group counseling, and holistic therapies, all aimed at helping to treat underlying causes of alcohol addiction and teaching new coping skills for relapse prevention. Please give us a call at (844) 834-1777 today if you want more information about our alcohol detox and rehab program.
