Is There Actually An Alcoholism Cure?

Many people seek the ultimate alcoholism cure. So many treatments have sprouted in the market but not all of them have been effective in ridding people of their alcohol addiction. Take a look at the following guide to alcoholism medications before choosing which alcohol program is best for you, a family member or a friend.

There are three alcoholism medications that have been approved by the Food and Drugs Administration of the United States. The catch is; they are only prescribed for those who have already undergone detoxification and are trying their best to avoid alcohol. Among these are:

1. Acamprosate or more popularly known as Campral.
This is a newly-approved alcoholism medication but it has already been used by at least 1.5 million alcoholics who want to keep dry. It works by lessening the withdrawal syndromes (specifically emotional and physical symptoms) of those who are in the rehabilitation stage. This drug, which is available by prescription (usually in 333 mg tablets to be ingested thrice a day), brings back chemical balance in the brain. There are few side effects but those with kidney problems, pregnant or lactating women or those with depression problems should consult their doctors before taking Campral.

Among its side effects are:

  • Mild: Itching, sweating, dryness in the mouth, muscle pain, gas, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite
  • Serious: chest pains, suicidal tendencies, tingling sensations, anxiety, depression or a decrease in urine.

Signs of the serious side effects should prompt one to immediately stop the drug and see a doctor.

2. Antabuse or more popularly known as Idulfiram.
This drug seeks to discourage alcoholism by causing unpleasant side effects to a person who consumes alcohol while taking it. Idulfiram interferes with the metabolic process of turning acetaldehyde (alcohol is metabolized into this toxic substance which cause hangovers) into acetic acid, thus multiplying the hangover effect by five to ten times. Not only that; you can also feel one or some of the following effects if you drink while taking this drug:

  • Palpitations
  • Nausea
  • Hyperventilation
  • Chest Pain
  • Vertigo
  • Difficulty in Respiration
  • Vomiting
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Cardiovascular collapse
  • Heart failure
  • Death

The very serious side effects of using this drug should be enough to warn anybody (especially someone who has heart problems, psychosis, pregnant or lactating) from taking it without consulting his doctor. While this could be called an instant cure for drinking, it is not effective in ridding a person of his alcohol cravings.

3. Naltrexone more popularly known as Revia, Depade or Vivitrol.
This works by reducing alcohol craving for those who have already stopped the intake of alcohol. It helps lessen the ill effects of the withdrawal process. The same medication is used for those addicted to cocaine and heroin. It is usually prescribed and taken as:

  • A pill - one pill to be ingested daily for 12 weeks
  • Injectible - an injectible form has recently been approved to be used once every month
  • Implant - The implant form has not been approved by the US FDA but it is being used in rapid detox.

While use of this drug results in minor side effects like nausea, muscle pains or vomiting, there are also very serious side effects like failure of the liver. A patient taking large doses of this drug should immediately stop using it if he experiences unusual tiredness, dark urine, bleeding, yellowing of the eyes or loss of appetite.

4. Orthomolecular medicine.
It was found out that this method can heal addictive biochemistry. And since alcoholism is believed to be a metabolism disorder, this cure might be a great help. The same method cures mental and physical illnesses such as schizophrenia. This method uses natural substances like enzymes, hormones, and essential fatty acids. And as these correct the root cause of alcoholism, it was concluded to be therapeutic and thereby treats alcoholism. The ultimate theory of such is that the body and mind heal the markers of addictive biochemistry, and so the disease is cured.

One of the most important first steps to recovery is an individual’s admission of his problem. The person must recognize that he has an alcohol problem and that he must submit himself to some form of alcoholism treatment. The next and most important step to treating alcohol abuse is making sure that alcoholic drinks are removed from the house. Avoiding situations where a person is more likely to be tempted to drink is considered very helpful. Becoming active in sports or other physically healthful activities may further help a person avoid alcohol drinking.

Alcoholism Treatment