Pros & Cons of Medicine for Alcoholism

Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a complex brain disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Traditionally, treatment options for AUD have usually involved community support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or various forms of therapy. However, in recent years, highly effective FDA-approved medications have become available to assist individuals with alcoholism (AUD) in achieving lasting sobriety.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a pivotal role in helping individuals recover from alcohol use disorders by reducing cravings and blocking the feelings of “pleasure” associated with drinking. MAT can make it physically easier to quit drinking and significantly enhance the chances of a successful recovery and long-term sobriety.
The decision to incorporate medication into your treatment plan should be well-informed and made in consultation with a medical professional trained in addiction treatment. Master Center, a leading provider in treating alcoholism (AUD) since 2016, has assisted thousands of patients in determining whether medication-assisted treatment is the right path for them.
Medicines for Alcoholism
Several medications target specific aspects of alcohol addiction, such as reducing the pleasure derived from drinking or preventing relapse. These medications work by altering brain or body chemistry and diminishing the rewarding effects of alcohol. In some cases, they may even induce sickness if alcohol is consumed, making drinking less desirable.
Common medications that your healthcare provider may consider for AUD include:
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone works by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, reducing the motivation to drink.
- Vivitrol: Vivitrol is the long-lasting injectable version of Naltrexone.
- Antabuse: Antabuse creates an aversion to alcohol by causing severe sickness if alcohol is consumed.
- Campral: Campral is prescribed to reduce the urge to drink.
Learn more about the types of medication for alcoholism (AUD) in our other article, “Can You Take Medicine for Alcoholism?”.
Pros of Medicine for Alcoholism
The experience at Master Center has overwhelmingly shown that these medications are safe and well-tolerated. Any side effects that do occur are typically mild and tend to subside within the first week or two of taking the medication. These medications do not have mind-altering effects, can be prescribed long-term, and can safely be taken with antidepressants.
The benefits of medication for alcoholism are substantial:
- Reduced Alcohol Cravings: Medication helps reduce alcohol cravings, making it easier to abstain from drinking. This is particularly helpful in the initial stages of recovery when cravings are more intense.
- Blocking Pleasurable Effects: Medications block the pleasurable effects of alcohol, reducing the incentive to drink. If a person on these medications consumes alcohol, they will not experience the usual sense of pleasure associated with drinking.
- Supports a Person-Centered Approach: Combining a person-centered approach with MAT increases the likelihood of your therapy engagement. This approach personalizes medication choices, aligns treatment with your goals, reduces the stigma of seeking treatment, and promotes flexibility in your treatment plan.
Cons of Medicine for Alcoholism
While medicine for alcoholism has numerous benefits, there are some drawbacks. Like taking any other medication, such as for heart disease, allergies, or chronic illness, there are risks and side effects associated with it:
- Potential Side Effects: Similar to other medicines, some may experience side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or headaches when taking these medications. In rare cases, more severe side effects like liver damage or allergic reactions may occur.
- Interactions with Other Medications: Medications used to treat AUD can interact with other drugs, potentially leading to complications or adverse effects. It’s crucial to provide your healthcare provider with all relevant information to prevent such interactions.
- Effectiveness Varies: Medication effectiveness varies from person to person, depending on factors like genetics, metabolism, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Success depends on your commitment to following the treatment plan, lifestyle, support systems, and personal motivation.
- Costs: Medication costs for alcoholism can be high, and insurance coverage may not always include them. It’s essential to consider the financial aspects of treatment when evaluating medicine use and check in with your provider, pharmacy, and insurance company beforehand.
- Risk of Relapse: Even with medication, there is still a risk of relapse, and no treatment guarantees absolute success. Recovery requires commitment, effort, and ongoing support through various channels and techniques. Medicine for alcoholism (AUD) is just one piece of the entire recovery process.
How Should You Decide?
The decision to pursue the option of medicine for alcoholism (AUD) should be based on a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks. While medications can significantly support recovery, they are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes.
The choice of medication and its appropriateness for you should be discussed openly with your healthcare providers. Your journey toward sobriety is a personalized one, and your treatment plan should reflect your unique needs and goals.
Concerned About Alcoholism (AUD)? Get a Consultation from Master Center for Addiction Medicine
Addiction is a chronic disease that can be treated, but never cured. And, when left untreated, AUD (like any substance use disorder) gets worse. If you have some of the symptoms of alcoholism (AUD), you may be wondering if you really have an addiction or something else and what to do now – before things get worse.
If you’re feeling this way, it’s time to speak with an addiction specialist – the same way you might consult a specialist in heart disease or diabetes for those medical concerns. A specialist in addiction medicine can provide a proper diagnosis of addiction and recommend an appropriate treatment pathway.
Seeking aid for alcohol dependency can be intimidating, but it’s the first step to restoring your health and well-being. Give us a call at 804.332.5950 to discuss your options.
About Master Center for Addiction Medicine
Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a leading addiction treatment center in Virginia, offering comprehensive and personalized care for individuals with substance use disorders including alcohol, opioids, pain medications, and others.
With locations in the state of Virginia, their programs are designed to meet individual needs and lifestyles, and they accept most insurances to make treatment accessible to as many individuals as possible. If you have questions about alcohol rehab costs and treatment options, you can reach out to Master Center at 804.332.5950 or info@mastercenter.com.