Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: A Path to Recovery

Alcohol is a widely used and socially accepted substance. While many adults can enjoy it in moderation, a significant number struggle with their drinking habits, which can negatively impact their health and overall quality of life, prompting a desire to quit. For those facing alcohol use disorders, stopping on their own can be challenging, making medication-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence an effective option for addressing problematic drinking behaviors.

During addiction treatment for alcohol abuse, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication with therapeutic support to facilitate long-term cessation of alcohol use. For individuals struggling with alcohol dependence, MAT offers a comprehensive approach that not only helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms but also provides support through behavioral therapy. This integrated approach enhances the likelihood of lasting recovery, making it more feasible for individuals to escape the cycle of addiction.

Whether part of a detox program or a continuous treatment regimen, MAT for alcohol dependence serves as a vital resource on the path to sobriety, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and restore their health.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol?

Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a comprehensive approach that combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to assist individuals in reducing or completely stopping their alcohol intake. The goal of a MAT program for alcohol addiction is to facilitate recovery, prevent relapse, and encourage sustained sobriety by addressing both the physical and mental facets of addiction.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies several FDA-approved medications for treating alcohol use disorder, including acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. While these medications do not provide a cure, they can be highly effective for those engaged in a structured treatment program.

The effectiveness of MAT is significantly enhanced when paired with additional therapeutic methods, such as counseling, psychotherapy, and support groups. This creates a personalized treatment plan that caters to each individual’s unique needs.

The medications involved are designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings by correcting the chemical imbalances caused by prolonged alcohol use. Some of these medications may also address co-occurring issues like anxiety and depression, helping individuals manage the negative emotions that often lead to alcohol consumption.

Beyond medication, MAT promotes a holistic recovery process by incorporating behavioral therapies that assist individuals in identifying and addressing the root causes of their alcohol use while developing healthier coping mechanisms.

Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management focus on altering the thought and behavior patterns that contribute to alcohol dependence. Additionally, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) play a crucial role in MAT, offering a sense of community and shared encouragement.

How Does MAT Help in the Recovery Process from Alcoholism?

Using medications is not about replacing one substance with another. Instead, MAT helps people in recovery manage their addiction so they can learn new coping skills and address the underlying issues contributing to their substance use disorders. There are several benefits to MAT in the recovery process from AUD, including:

• Reduces Alcohol Cravings – Medications like disulfiram, acamprosate, or naltrexone can help control the urge to drink by either altering the way the body responds to alcohol or reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol consumption, reducing intense cravings for alcohol.
• Manages Withdrawal Symptoms – Individuals trying to quit drinking can experience uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. MAT can ease withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox treatment, such as anxiety, tremors, nausea, and seizures.
• Supports Long-Term Recovery – Ongoing use of medications can help prevent relapse. Some medications act as deterrents, causing severe discomfort if alcohol is consumed, while others block the euphoric effects of drinking.
• Improved Treatment Retention – Studies have shown that combining medication and therapy helps individuals stick to their treatment plans, leading to better outcomes in the long run.
• Enhances Psychological Therapy – By lessening physical cravings for alcohol, medications allow individuals to concentrate on behavioral therapies, fostering healthier coping strategies and lifestyle adjustments.

Which Medication Is Best for Alcohol Dependence?

When it comes to alcohol addiction treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Individualized treatment plans provide the best chance at recovery, including which type of medication is best for each person. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, three medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat alcohol use disorder: acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone.

Disulfiram causes a severe reaction if alcohol is consumed by preventing the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and flushing if alcohol is consumed. This medication acts as a deterrent.

Naltrexone works by inhibiting the pleasurable sensations associated with alcohol consumption by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It reduces cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking, ultimately decreasing the motivation to drink.

Acamprosate helps to restore the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that are affected by alcohol dependence, such as glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is believed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and works best for individuals who have already stopped drinking. It can also improve sleep, lower anxiety, and improve mood.

Additionally, other medications may be beneficial to reduce alcohol use. Some less common medications like topiramate (Topamax) and gabapentin (Neurontin) help balance brain chemicals and can encourage recovery and abstinence from alcohol.

Several medications aid in alcohol detox to ease withdrawals and ensure safety, such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. The choice of medication depends on individual factors such as the severity of dependency, the presence of other health conditions, and the person’s response to treatment.

What Is the Success Rate of Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT success rates vary depending on factors such as the type of substance being treated, the specific medication used, and the individual’s circumstances. Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that MAT is linked to notable improvements in clinical outcomes within the first year of treatment compared to non-MAT alternatives.

Those undergoing MAT typically remain in treatment longer than those who rely solely on non-medicated approaches, which can enhance recovery results. Additionally, MAT is associated with a reduced risk of relapse for individuals recovering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), particularly when paired with therapeutic support.

It’s crucial to recognize that relapse is often a part of the recovery journey, with approximately 40 to 60% of individuals experiencing a relapse during their first year. While measuring treatment success can be challenging due to the occurrence of relapses, MAT can significantly lower the likelihood of relapse and facilitate a quicker return to stability.

Ultimately, success in treatment can vary widely among individuals, influenced by personal circumstances, co-existing mental health issues, and the strength of their support networks.

Get Medication Assisted-Treatment for Alcohol Dependence at Resurgence Behavioral Health

If you’re finding it hard to quit drinking and are looking for medication-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence, Resurgence Behavioral Health is here to support you. We specialize in treating alcohol dependence and addiction with a holistic approach that includes MAT.

Through a combination of FDA-approved medications, counseling, therapy, and support groups, our patients can effectively manage withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings, and achieve lasting recovery. We provide various levels of care, including outpatient and outpatient options, tailored to meet your needs. The road to recovery can be difficult, but with the proper treatment and support, you can break free from the cycle of addiction and rebuild your life.

Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050 to speak to one of our intake specialists and begin your path with MAT for alcohol dependence.

External Sources

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options
• American Academy of Family Physicians – Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
• American Journal of Psychiatry – Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol-Dependent Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Involvement: Effects on Treatment Utilization and Outcomes

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial