Treatment for alcohol use disorder often involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and support groups. Doctors may use medications like naltrexone, topiramate, and gabapentin to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

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To avoid alcohol problems, it is important to understand the risks of drinking too much. If drinking starts becoming a problem, seeking help early is crucial. Additionally, it is important to address the underlying reasons why someone may misuse alcohol. Efforts to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for addiction are also crucial.

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Medications We Use

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Medical Providers use several medications to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and help individuals reduce or quit drinking. These medications often target different aspects of the addiction process, including reducing cravings, blocking the rewarding effects of alcohol, and managing withdrawal symptoms. Here are some medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of AUD and their mechanisms of action:

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• Naltrexone: Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids. It is believed that it helps reduce the desire for alcohol and the pleasure from drinking by stopping the release of endorphins.

• Acamprosate: Acamprosate is believed to stabilize the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly affecting the glutamate system. It may help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in individuals who have stopped drinking.

• Disulfiram: Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in the metabolism of alcohol. When someone taking disulfiram consumes alcohol, it leads to an accumulation of acetaldehyde, causing unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and flushing. This aversive reaction is intended to deter individuals from drinking.

• Topiramate: Topiramate is an anticonvulsant that modulates neurotransmitter activity in the brain. It is thought to reduce alcohol cravings and promote abstinence by affecting various neurotransmitter systems, including GABA and glutamate.

• Baclofen: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that may also have effects on the GABAergic system in the brain. Some studies suggest that baclofen may help reduce cravings and promote abstinence in individuals with AUD.

• Clonidine: Clonidine is not specifically designed to treat AUD, but it has been used off-label for this purpose. Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, and it works by stimulating certain receptors (alpha-2 receptors) in the brain. It primarily acts on the central nervous system to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity. This can lead to a decrease in the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter associated with stress and arousal.

• Gabapentin: Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that modulates the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is believed to increase the synthesis and release of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA has calming effects on the brain and can help reduce excitability. Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label to treat alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms. By enhancing GABAergic activity, gabapentin may have a calming effect on the central nervous system, reducing the hyperactivity and excitability associated with alcohol withdrawal. This, in turn, may help reduce cravings and improve abstinence.

• Benzodiazepines: They exert their effects by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA reduces neuronal excitability and has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines bind to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor, potentiating the effects of GABA. They are primarily employed to manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal from heavy drinking, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. However, the use of benzodiazepines in AUD treatment is generally short-term and carefully monitored due to the risk of dependence and other adverse effects.

MAT programs commonly use these medications, which combine medication with counseling and therapies to treat alcohol addiction. Which medication you decide to use depends on a person's medical history, the severity of addiction, and the treatment plan. Research has shown that MAT is effective in reducing alcohol use, preventing relapse, and supporting long-term recovery.

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Therapy

 

Counseling therapy can help you feel better by teaching you how to cope with your thoughts and feelings. These therapies consist of:

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• Cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy can help you deal with depression by teaching skills for managing thoughts, behaviors, and organization. 

• Family therapy. Therapy can help people with depression deal with the stress of living with loved ones who don't understand depression. 

• Music therapy. This therapy utilizes music to help relax an individual to enhance their mood. Music therapy activates cognitive, motor, and speech centers in the brain to help improve overall functioning.

• Talk therapy. This type of therapy employs a variety of techniques to help a person better deal with thoughts and behaviors.

• Interpersonal therapy. IPT is a type of therapy that focus on personal relationships and how you feel.

• Integrative therapy. This therapy combines different types to create a personalized treatment.