Acamprosate helps lower alcohol cravings and effectively treat alcoholism. It is actually used to regulate and stabilize brain activity for a period of 3 to 12 months after you quit drinking. Acamprosate has been successfully used over the course of the past few decades in the U.S. and Europe as an alcohol addiction treatment. While acamprosate does not trigger illness if alcohol is consumed, it does help reduce the craving for alcohol.
Acamprosate’s mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it appears to restore balance to the brain. It is thought to decrease the urge for alcohol by directly working on certain neurotransmitters in the brain (chemicals that transfer information between nerve cells) whose balance has been disrupted due to heavy, habitual drinking. Even still research has found that acamprosate was most effective when combined with treatment from mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and mutual support groups.
Acamprosate does not work immediately; it can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days before it becomes effective and begins to work. This is the reason why experts suggest for acamprosate dosing to start as soon as possible following alcohol withdrawal, and that the dosage also is maintained during relapse. Typically, ongoing daily treatment three times a day leads to the best outcomes. Take note that acamprosate helps to prevent alcohol cravings only as long as you are taking it. It is advised to continue taking acamprosate even if you do not believe you are likely to resume drinking alcohol again. You should not stop taking acamprosate without consulting your doctor first.
As with any medication, there are some people who should not take it due to the possible risks and consequences that may stem from it. Anyone with any of the following medical conditions should seek the opinion of a prescribing doctor or pharmacist before taking acamprosate as a treatment therapy for alcohol addiction:
- The elderly
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People struggling with suicidal thoughts
- Those suffering from depression or its symptoms
- Those taking medications that are potentially toxic to the kidneys (such as aminoglycoside antibiotics)
- Those who experience hypersensitivity to the drug
- Those with limited kidney function
At Asana Recovery, we understand that it may be very hard to recover from these addictions. While some may hold the belief that they can make it all by themselves, we believe that rehabilitation programs play a pivotal role in the battle against dependency. Therapy coupled with aftercare can help you identify and acknowledge any and all contributors that lead you to addiction, while helping you establish and define a structure from which to better deal with everyday life, minus succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in an atmosphere that is carefully disciplined, yet supportive and inspirational. There is no better time than now to reach out, as we are always enthusiastic about chatting with you! Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our five-star alcohol and drug addiction treatment program today!
