There are no magic pills to cure alcoholism. However, medications are available to help relieve the withdrawal symptoms and cravings alcoholics experience, making treatment such as psychosocial therapy more effective.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram, generically known as Antabuse, is the oldest drug for the treatment of alcohol addiction, according to HealthyPlace. It works by creating adverse side effects in an alcoholic no matter how little or how much alcohol he consumes. Effects include facial flushing (reddening of the face), mild nausea, severe vomiting, headaches and an increase in blood pressure. The idea is that once an alcoholic experiences these side effects, he will be less inclined to drink. Experts have differing opinions about this theory.
Steven H. Williams, Ph.D. of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), points out that the evidence is too weak to support the effectiveness of this medication. While disulfiram appears to reduce the frequency of drinking, it does not decrease the risk of an addict relapsing once he enters recovery.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is the generic name for ReVia, an opioid receptor antagonist. This medication works by blocking the receptors in the brain that respond to the effects of alcohol, explains Williams, thus reducing the effects drinking has on an addict. This results in fewer cravings and feelings of intoxication. HealthyPlace explains that because the studies on naltrexone took place in settings combining psychotherapy and psycho-education with this medication, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval came with the condition that it only be used in addition to supportive therapy. The site adds that the success of this drug is most likely dependent on an alcoholic's simultaneous involvement in a program that teaches participants about addiction, recovery and relapse prevention behaviors.
The dosage, to be effective, is 50 mg per day. HealthyPlace quotes an FDA report that says "this drug is non-addictive but can cause liver toxicity if prescribed at higher doses than recommended." Naltrexone is currently available in an oral form; however, an injectable form is in development. Its most common side effects include nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is better known as its brand name Campral and is the newest drug to receive FDA approval for the treatment of alcoholism. How this drug works is not completely understood, according to HealthyPlace. However, the theory is that it helps restore the chemical balance in an alcoholic's brain. This restoration reduces cravings and prevents relapses, according to HealthyPlace.
Williams of AAFP agrees, stating that acamprosate has the ability to reduce both short- and long-term relapse rates in patients suffering from alcohol dependency, especially when undergoing psychosocial treatments in conjunction with this medication.
