What is pharmacotherapy for alcoholism?
Pharmacotherapy for alcoholism is addiction treatment using medications. Medications are used that reduce alcohol craving, block the pleasure from drinking, or cause negative reactions after alcohol consumption. Pharmacotherapy is an effective complement to psychotherapy and other forms of addiction treatment.
Types of medications used in alcoholism treatment
Several groups of medications are used in pharmacotherapy for alcoholism:
- Opioid antagonists (Nalmefen, Naltrexone) – block receptors responsible for experiencing pleasure from alcohol
- GABA modulators (Acamprosate) – restore the neurotransmitter balance disrupted by alcohol
- Aversive medications (Disulfiram/Anticol) – cause unpleasant symptoms after alcohol consumption
Who is pharmacotherapy for?
Pharmacotherapy is recommended for people who:
- Are addicted to alcohol and want to reduce or stop drinking
- Have completed detox, as support in maintaining abstinence
- Do not qualify for an alcohol implant
- Prefer oral treatment instead of implants
- Are part of a comprehensive addiction treatment programme
How do alcoholism medications work?
Nalmefen and Naltrexone
They block opioid receptors in the brain that are responsible for experiencing pleasure from alcohol. As a result, drinking ceases to be "rewarding" and it becomes easier to reduce or stop consumption.
Acamprosate
Restores the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, which becomes disrupted by chronic drinking. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and alcohol craving.
Disulfiram (Anticol)
Blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, which after alcohol consumption causes severe, unpleasant symptoms. It works on the principle of aversion therapy.
Effectiveness of pharmacotherapy
Clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in treating alcohol addiction. Medications significantly reduce the number of drinking days, decrease the amount of alcohol consumed, and extend periods of abstinence. The best results are achieved by combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy and therapeutic support.
How to start pharmacological treatment?
- Medical consultation – the doctor assesses health status and selects the appropriate medication
- Prescription – you receive a prescription for the selected medication
- Starting therapy – you begin taking the medication according to instructions
- Follow-up visits – regular monitoring of treatment effects
Schedule a consultation to find out which medication will be best for your situation.
