The use of medication to treat alcohol abuse is a subject of controversy, but some have proven relatively effective in managing cravings and reducing relapse.
APPROVED
Antabuse
Used to aid with initial abstinence; will make the user sick if they drink. One of the biggest drawbacks to this medication is non-compliance with actually taking the drug.
Naltrexone
Treats addiction during first 3 months; shown to decrease relapse by 50%-70% when combined with comprehensive treatment program. Drawbacks include: hard on liver, blocks effects of opioid pain medications (which may actually be desired if intended to reduce opiate addiction relapse).
Treats addiction during first 3 months; shown to decrease relapse by 50%-70% when combined with comprehensive treatment program. Drawbacks include: hard on liver, blocks effects of opioid pain medications (which may actually be desired if intended to reduce opiate addiction relapse).
Acamprosate
Has shown modest success in lowering cravings.
Has shown modest success in lowering cravings.
Chlordiazepozide
Treats withdrawal symptoms.
OFF-LABEL
Clonidine
Topiramate (and other anti-seizure medications)
Blocks dopamine, preventing alcohol from stimulating reward/reinforcement pathway.
Blocks dopamine, preventing alcohol from stimulating reward/reinforcement pathway.
Baclofen
A GABA receptor agonist.
Nalmefene
An opioid antagonist.
Source: Inaba, D. S., & Cohen, W. E. (2011). Uppers, downers, all arounders: Physical and mental effects of psychoactive drugs (7th ed.). Medford, OR: CNS Productions, Inc.
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