Alcoholism was commonly viewed as psychosis until the late 1930’s. Treatment in the 30’s consisted of asylums and hospitals. AA was developed in 1935 by two recovering alcoholics. More recently, doctors and scientists have found that there are alternative ways to treat alcoholism.

Medication interventions are now being used to treat alcoholism. Medications for alcoholism are best used when combined with 12 step meeting attendance to therapy. Medication interventions work by reducing cravings, reducing the euphoric effects of alcohol, or making someone physically ill if they consume alcohol. The most common medicines to treat alcoholism are Antabuse, Naltrexone, Campral, and Topamax.

Antabuse blocks the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. This produces negative side effects if alcohol is consumed. When alcohol is consumed, nausea, vomiting, and an overall feeling of being unwell occurs. These effects prevent drinking because you will not want to drink for fear of being ill. Antabuse will not physically injure you or cause death, but you will feel very ill if you take drink alcohol and take the medication.

Naltrexone works by blocking opiate receptors. Naltrexone was originally designed to treat opiate addictions, but researchers discovered that it is beneficial for alcoholism. Essentially, once the medicine builds in the body, your cravings significantly reduce and you can stop feeling the pleasurable effects of alcohol consumption.

When you drink alcohol for an extended period of time, your brain takes a lot of the damage. Neurotransmitters begin to only function properly when alcohol is in your system. Experts are not entirely sure how Campral works, but they have noted that Campral eases post acute withdrawals, anxiety, and restlessness that is associated with alcohol withdrawal.

Topamax has been used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Researchers are not entirely sure how Topamax helps with alcoholism, but they do know that they medication can decrease the desirable effects of drinking.

As with any medication, you need to consult with your medical provider about side effects and any potential negative effects.

Side effects of these medications can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleep issues
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite

Medication for the treatment of alcoholism is not meant to be a stand alone intervention. Some people may greatly benefit from medications in the detox or early phases of recovery. Medical professionals agree that in order to fully recover, you should attend meetings or therapy and work through the roots of your addiction. A pill alone cannot treat addiction, but these medications can get you going on the right track.

The Kimberly Center offers the best in partial care programming for the treatment of addictions and co-occurring disorders. Providing a variety of treatment services with love and compassion, our clinical team serves to help clients heal mind, body, and spirit. Call us today for information: 855-4-KCENTER