Here are some common medications used to treat alcohol addiction and what you need to know about them.
Medications Used to Treat Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol has the potential to make us feel calm, relaxed, brave, and many other kinds of feelings. The ability to drink safely without becoming addicted is dependent upon many factors that can be biological, physical, emotional, and environmental. Continually consuming large quantities of alcohol can solidify the foundation for alcoholism.
A craving is a real need being experienced by the body. Cravings, which usually come along with regular alcohol consumption, are similar to the need for water or food. Without ingesting alcohol, the body will have withdrawal symptoms. The length of time spent drinking, the amount consumed over time, and the number of times one has gone through withdrawal will all contribute to the severity of a withdrawal. The dangers of alcohol detox and withdrawal can be life threatening and should never be downplayed or ignored.
An estimated 40 percent of all people who drink heavily suffer from depression. Out of that number, about 5 to 10 percent suffer from a mental health disorder. Alcohol consumption combined with a mental health disorder will only worsen the symptoms of the disorder and complicate the alcohol addiction treatment needed. Here are some medications used to treat alcohol addiction.
Common Medications Used to Treat Alcohol Addiction
In a dual diagnosis treatment program, there are medications that will ease the alcohol cravings and provide you with relief from the mental health disorder. These medications are often prescribed in alcohol rehab centers by a physician or ARNP who is an addiction specialist.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
This drug is commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms and can make a person sick if even a small amount of alcohol is consumed. - Naltrexone
The use of naltrexone will not stop alcohol intoxication after drinking, it will just stop the pleasurable sensations associated with the drink. It has been recently approved in a once a month injectable form. - Topiramate (Topamax)
Topamax is one of the anticonvulsant medications used to help treat alcoholism. Topamax has been found to help reduce alcohol relapses and increase the length of abstinence. - Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that is used off-label to treat alcohol dependency.
These are just a few medications used to treat alcohol addiction. At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
