05/23/2013– Are Medicines Used in the Treatment of Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is a condition caused by the excessive, generally uncontrolled consumption of alcohol as a means of achieving comfort, stress reduction, or social de-inhibition. It is a disease which has both physical and mental characteristics and increases in severity the longer it continues. As with most addictions, denial is common, and social stigmas attached to the term “alcoholic” serve to dissuade alcoholics from seeking help.

COMMENTS

Treatments are as varied as the victims of the disease. Withdrawal from alcohol involves weaning off the toxin slowly to avoid horrific side effects, including “the shakes,” delirium tremens (DT’s), severe cramping, hallucinations, disorientation, hyperactivity, extreme heart palpitations, grand mal seizures, heart attacks, and strokes, some of which can be fatal. Going “cold turkey” for a long time user can be extremely dangerous, so your best means of stopping is slowly, with supervision by a doctor, a sponsor from AA, a rehab, or a close family member or friend. The rehab offers the highest chance of success because it is a new place, new people, new things. The staff are trained to deal with everything you will go through as you gain sobriety. Rehabs also remove the opportunity for emotional pleas to be answered in a detrimental manner.

In addition to vitamin and diet control therapy, there are specific medications on the market today, some of which are orally ingested, others through injection, which can help ease the withdrawal symptoms, the cravings to drink, and extend the periods of recovery. Generally speaking there are four medications used to minimize alcoholism – and none that can cure it. However when combined with cognitive therapy the results have been promising.

The FDA has approved four medications to use in treatment of alcoholism. They are Acamprosate (Campral), Oral Naltrexone (ReVia), Injectable Naltrexone (Vivitrol), and Disulfiram (Antabuse). The intention is to allow the alcoholic to develop the sober livings skills and social skills required to live alcohol-free. Some of these inhibit conventional metabolizing of alcohol and have reactions that are between distasteful and dangerous; some cause you, by design, to become very ill if you consume alcohol. Some reduce the pleasure side of alcohol consumption. The biggest problem with taking medication to stop drinking is, of course, the patient’s ability or desire to keep taking the medication on schedule.

Short term use of drugs for an alcoholic can be effective and beneficial. Discuss your options with a qualified physician experienced in alcohol withdrawal and recovery. A rehab may be your best choice due to supervision, experience, and compassion. With your desire, a good support group, and proper medication, you’ll be on the other side of the river before you know it.

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