The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that nearly 17 million Americans engage in problematic alcohol use, including forming an addiction to the substance and binge drinking. Alcoholism is a significant medical and psychological disorder that often results in serious damage to the user as well as those around him. Treatment programs for alcoholism currently give credence to supplementing the therapeutic process with medication therapy. The Assisted Recovery Centers of America indicate that the use of approved and effective anti-craving medications continues to show promise in successful treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is typically prescribed as an oral medication taken three times a day to prevent return to alcohol use once abstinence is obtained. This medication is useful early in recovery--after the initial detox from alcohol--to motivate ongoing abstinence. The National Center for Biotechnology Information explains that acamprosate helps to restore damage done to the brain from alcohol use and aids in decreasing the potential for relapse. This medication is not intended to cure alcoholism and must be taken as prescribed in order to show full benefit. Acamprosate will not cause a drug interaction if alcohol is used, however, alcohol use while taking acamprosate defeats the purpose of using the drug.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is available as an oral medication or by injection. Both forms of naltrexone aid in the reduction of cravings for alcohol. If a person drinks while on the medication, the medication blocks the pleasure receptor in the brain so he cannot become intoxicated. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that oral naltrexone must be taken daily to achieve full benefits. The injectable version is required only once a month, which eliminates the need to remember to take a pill daily. Naltrexone cannot be used by people with liver damage as it may cause liver problems when taken in larger doses than prescribed.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is an older anti-alcohol medication that is intended to deter alcohol use. MayoClinic.com explains that people who drink alcohol while taking disulfiram will experience vile illness, vomiting and weakness. The severe reaction to alcohol while on disulfiram will last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, so it is important not to use any alcohol based products when taking this medication. Disulfiram works by interrupting the process of alcohol metabolizing in the body, which is what will induce sickness if alcohol is used.
