Treatment for Alcoholism Treatment usually consists primarily of counseling and support. Patients must acknowledge that they have a drinking problem and have a strong desire to stop drinking. Once the decision has been made, patients may check into a treatment center for a period of time to rehabilitate as they stop drinking. The treatment center (and/or doctor) counsels patients, gives them support, and helps patients get through their initial symptoms and safely withdraw from the alcohol. In some cases, short-term medications such as benzodiazepines (Valium or similar drugs) are used to help alleviate some of the symptoms of alcohol dependence.
There are three medications that have been FDA approved to help patients remain sober: disulfiram (Antabuse), naltrexone (ReVia), and acamprosate (Campral). They are prescribed for some patients who have indicated their intention to abstain from alcohol but require some reinforcement. Disulfiram causes unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and flushing with any amount of drinking. Naltrexone blocks the “high” feeling a person may get from drinking but can cause severe withdrawal symptoms in patients who are also dependent on opiates. Acamprosate helps reduce the craving for alcohol. All of these medications are meant to be used in combination with counseling.
Just as there is no one test for screening or diagnosing alcoholism, there is not one single therapy or medication that definitively treats alcoholism in all patients. It is not an easy condition to resolve, and many patients will relapse into drinking several times before gaining lasting sobriety. Some of the damage done to the liver and to other organs while drinking may resolve, while some may be permanent. Patients and their doctors will need to work together over the years to maintain sobriety and to address any complications that arise from alcohol damage.
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