Alcohol Addiction Recovery Medication

Recovering from alcohol addiction may require more than counseling.  In some cases, a medical doctor may prescribe medication to help with addiction and alcohol use disorder (AUD).  Some of the drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for decades to combat alcohol dependence.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram was the first medicine approved by the FDA to combat alcohol addiction.  Consuming alcohol while taking the drug will result in headache, nausea, vomiting and other unpleasant side effects.  The drug is used to discourage any alcohol use.  Disulfiram should be prescribed by a doctor.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is known as an opiate antagonist.  It is usually prescribed in combination with treatment.  It works by preventing the effects of alcohol or other effects.  It helps to eliminate the desire to drink while also taking away the euphoric feeling associated with alcohol consumption.   Naltrexone is most effective in people who have already committed to sobriety and have not consumed alcohol for several days.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.  Acamprosate works to balance chemicals in the brain.  The drug is most effective for those who have already made the commitment to stop drinking and should be prescribed by a medical doctor.

The FDA is routinely reviewing new drugs that may help combat alcohol and drug addiction.  As scientists learn more about the relationship between addiction and chemical imbalances, more breakthroughs are made.