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What Medication Is Prescribed for Alcoholic Treatment?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, nearly one-third of Americans consume enough alcohol each year to be considered at risk for alcohol addiction and dependence. Because alcoholism is such a common concern, there has been a great deal of recent research into the use of prescription medications to help treat the disease. As of 2009, three medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration for the treatment of alcoholism.

  1. Disulfiram

    • The first FDA-approved drug is disulfiram, also known as Antabuse. Disulfiram works by blocking acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, the substance that transforms alcohol into acetic acid. When someone drinks to excess and feels ill afterward, this is a result of not having enough acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to convert the liver-toxic alcohol components into acetic acid. Disulfiram blocks acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, making even small amounts of alcohol have the same sickening effects as large amounts. In theory, the drug helps patients abstain from alcohol by causing them to become very sick whenever they drink.

    Naltrexone

    • Another commonly prescribed medication for alcoholism is naltrexone, also known as Trexan. Naltrexone is classified as a opioid receptor antagonist, meaning that it blocks the opioid receptors responsible for causing the "drunken" and pleasurable effects of alcohol. With fewer effects felt by drinking alcohol, naltrexone helps lower the incidence of cravings; it is recommended, however, that the drug be used in conjunction with counseling to help give the alcoholic the additional education and coping skills needed to remain sober. Naltrexone is considered safe up to a 50mg limit per day. In higher doses, naltrexone can have negative effects on the liver, and is not recommended for use by patients with liver-related problems or diseases.

    Acamprosate

    • The third FDA-approved medication is acamprosate, also known as Campral. Acamprosate works differently than the other two drugs, as it targets the brain itself after alcohol abuse has been stopped. Its main treatment goal is to help reduce the emotional withdrawal symptoms felt by many alcoholics when they quit drinking. Acamprostate works by blocking the glutaminergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors that were over-activated by years of alcohol abuse, and reactivating the g-aminobutyric acid type A receptors that were blocked by the abuse. The resulting effects help recovering alcoholics sleep better, and cope more effectively with any depression and anxiety they may feel. Acamprosate does not help with physical withdrawal symptoms, and has no effect on alcoholics who are currently still drinking or going through a relapse.

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