Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in California
Alcohol Use Disorder, commonly referred to as alcoholism, can be difficult to treat because it affects a number of different areas of the brain and produces strong cravings. While many people manage to stay sober for life, others relapse due to the intense cravings.
Because alcohol is legal and socially accepted, it is challenging to steer clear of the numerous triggers that often prompt a relapse. Cognitive therapies can aid as coping mechanisms, but some people need additional help through the use of medication to accompany treatment.
Medication is effective along with proven therapies such as CBT, MET, Family and Psycho / Social Support like self help groups.
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Medication Assisted Treatment
Antabuse (Disulfiram)
Antabuse is the trade name for Disulfiram, which is a drug that causes a negative reaction to drinking alcohol.
For those taking Antabuse, drinking even small amounts of alcohol can cause them to experience unpleasant feelings or become physically sick. Many of the symptoms mimic a strong hangover, such as nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, or headaches. It is often used when other medications or treatment forms are unsuccessful.
Antabuse is usually only effective if the patient wants to take it as a deterrent or aversive medication to stay away from alcohol.
Acamprosate (Campral)
Acamprosate goes by the trade name Campral, and is an effective medication treatment for alcohol addiction when used in conjunction with other cognitive therapies and recovery counseling.
It should not be used by people with kidney problems, and because it can cause adverse effects, it should only be used under the direction of a doctor with experience prescribing it.
Naltrexone Oral (Revia)
The oral version of Naltrexone (trade name Revia) is a prescription tablet taken by mouth and is best used together with recovery treatment.
It works by curbing the pleasurable feeling of drinking alcohol instead of reducing cravings. It should only be used after completing detox and not by people with liver problems.
Naltrexone Injection (Vivitrol)
Naltrexone is also available as a once-a-month Vivitrol injection, which is much easier to manage than the daily oral tablet for alcohol dependence. It is non-addictive, non-narcotic medication that works well when used at the same time as alcohol treatment or counseling.
Naltrexone Implant
In addition to the oral and injectable versions, a Naltrexone Implant is available as a minor outpatient procedure that lasts for 3 months and can be routinely implanted in a doctor’s office. It has been shown to be effective in reducing relapse when used in tandem with an alcohol addiction program.
Topamax
Topamax is an FDA approved anti-epileptic medication for treating epilepsy, but is also used successfully as an off-label treatment for alcohol use disorder for those with a moderate to severe alcohol addiction. It works by reducing cravings and decreasing the pleasure derived from drinking alcohol.
Neurontin (Gabapentin)
Neurontin is the trade name for Gabapentin, another anti-epileptic medication that is FDA approved for seizures and restless leg syndrome, but used off-label for treating alcohol use disorder and alcoholism. Studies have shown that those who were given multiple doses daily had a reduction in cravings and alcohol use, while reporting better mood and sleep patterns.
SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft)
Prozac, Zoloft, and other SSRIs have shown to be effective for treating alcohol use disorder, but only for those with late onset symptoms, usually after the age of 40 years old or older.
As shown by the examples above, there are a wide variety of medications that can be used to treat alcohol use disorders. Each one works differently and should be prescribed by an experienced doctor trained in addiction medicine that understands the pros and cons for each one.
Baclofen (Lioresal)
Baclofen (Lioresal) is approved for treating muscle spasms but is sometimes used off-label for reducing alcohol cravings and withdrawal.
