According to the MayoClinic.com, alcoholism is a chronic disease in which the body develops a dependency on alcohol and an individual cannot control his drinking. An alcoholic will continue drinking despite negative consequences to his health and life. Whether an individual is dependent on alcohol or simply abuses the substance, a variety of treatment options are available to help gain control over drinking and restore health.
Oral Medications
The MayoClinic.com lists several oral medications used to help treat alcoholism, including disulfiram, known by the brand name drug Antabuse; naltrexone, known as ReVia; and acamprosate, known as Campral. Disulfiram is a drug that sensitizes the body to alcohol, and when an individual taking this medication ingests alcoholic drinks, vomiting, flushing, nausea and headaches may occur. It does not prevent the urge to drink. Naltrexone works on the brain to help stop the good feelings alcohol causes in alcoholics, thus reducing the feelings of reward that drinking brings, says the MayoClinic.com; acamprosate helps block urges to drink alcohol. Individuals taking naltrexone or acamprosate do not experience any adverse effects if alcohol is ingested, in contrast to disulfiram.
Injectable Medications
Naltrexone is also available in injectable form called Vivitrol. Vivitrol is an injectable opioid that not only blocks the effects of alcohol but other narcotics as well, according to Drugs.com, and is typically used as part of a larger treatment program. it is given intramuscularly every four weeks by a health care provider. Common side effects can include anxiety or nervousness, increased thirst, muscle aches, weakness, sleep problems and impaired libido. Nevertheless, according to the MayoClinic.com, Vivitrol may be more convenient for some individuals struggling with alcoholism because it does not need to be taken daily like the pill form of the drug.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Support groups can be helpful for individuals struggling with alcoholism, as well as those who know someone living with the disease. Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is one of these support systems; AA.org describes it as a voluntary group of men and women who work together to attain and maintain sobriety. More than 2 million individuals worldwide are part of AA, says AA.org, and the organization requires total abstinence from drinking of its members. It is a nondenominational organization that emphasizes the Twelve Steps as a guide to aid with recovery and holds open meetings for anyone who wants to attend and closed meetings, which are only for alcoholics.
Detoxification
The initial withdrawal from alcohol may involve detoxification, which is typically done in a treatment center or hospital, says the MayoClinic.com. The process can take four to seven days and may involve medications for sedation or to treat tremors, confusion or vomiting that can occur during withdrawal.
