Drugs For Alcoholism: What Medications Are Commonly Used To Cure Alcoholism?

There are a few drugs that are used for the treatment of alcoholism. Some of these drugs are used a preventative measures, to make a person stop drinking, and others are used as a part of a treatment program to aid in the detox process. Many alcoholism treatment programs use both physiological and medical means of treating alcoholism through drugs. Most of the drugs used in alcoholism treatment are designed to create an adverse reaction when a person ingests alcohol.

Antabuse (Disulfiram)

One of the drugs used to treat alcoholism is Antabuse, also known by the generic name of Disulfiram. Normally, alcohol is broken down by the body and processed through the liver. Antabuse blocks the normal breakdown of alcohol, which creates a build up of acetaldehyde in the body. This substance is usually processed by the body before it causes any adverse reactions, but in people who take ant abuse this build up, even in small amounts, will cause nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and headaches. These affects are felt after just a few minutes of consumption of even small amounts.

Antabuse will continue to work for extended periods, as the body will not develop a tolerance for the drug. This makes Antabuse a good option for people who need long-term help managing their addiction. Antabuse will continue working for up to a week after the last dose so patients who stop taking it may still feel its effects days later.

As with all drugs, Antabuse is not without its drawbacks. It can have negative effects if combined with other drugs such as cocaine, Adderall, and Ritalin. Some other drugs may not be effective in patients who take Antabuse because it blocks absorption. Barbituates, morphine, and benzodiazepines will not work properly for patients who take Antabuse.

Naltrexone

Vivitrol and Revia, also know by the generic name of Naltrexone are also drugs for alcoholism. This drug reacts with opioid receptors in the brain and helps to fight the psychological need for alcohol and cravings. Naltrexone creates displeasurable feelings after alcohol is ingested which helps patients to overcome their cravings.

Naltrexone can be taken in pill form or administered as a shot that is effective for up to 30 days. Naltrexone does not cause many drug interaction problems, except with opioid analgetics. Naltrexone cause sensitivity of opioid receptors and can cause overdose of other opioid containing drugs.

Campral and Benzodia

These drugs are use to treat withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics who are undergoing detox. They counteract the effects of prolonged heavy alcohol use and help to ease withdrawal symptoms. Patients who heavily used alcohol will often suffer from physical withdrawal symptoms because of the lack of alcohol in their system.

Campral and Benzodia affect the parts of the brain that are used to having alcohol present and counteract withdrawal symptoms. These drugs for alcohol treatment can help in a person’s recovery from their addiction.

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