Prescription Drugs To Help You Stop Drinking Alcohol

Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Addiction 

Did you know that there are different prescription drugs to stop drinking? Over the years, there have been many fantastic developments in the world of pharmaceuticals and addiction treatment. As a result, there are countless people all over the world that have benefited from incorporating these prescription medications into their overall treatment plan. At Resurgence, we dedicate ourselves to providing our clients with an abundance of treatment opportunities to establish and maintain their sobriety. One of the programs that you can take advantage of is known as medication-assisted treatment, also commonly referred to as MAT. 

What is MAT? 

There are several misconceptions associated with medication-assisted treatment. The first is that medication alone can help you to overcome your addiction. The reality is that in order to successfully complete your treatment plan you must incorporate certain forms of therapy into your recovery plan. It’s critical to recognize that there is a psychological component that is a part of the disease of addiction. Therefore, it would be impossible to just take prescription medication and cancel out every part of your addiction. Instead, medication can help it easier for you to manage certain psychological and physical aspects of your addiction. 

Another misconception of MAT is that you will be trading one addiction for another in light of the fact that some of the medication that is used during medication-assisted treatment does have some addictive qualities. However, when you work with an experienced team at a top-rated addiction treatment center, you can take comfort in the fact that your consumption of this medication will be closely monitored. This controlled type of environment helps you to avoid the possibility of developing another addiction and allows you to better focus on the goals that you have for yourself and your overall well-being. 

It’s important to know that medication-assisted treatment is something that can be tied into an inpatient or outpatient program. Therefore, it’s critical that you understand the difference between these two programs. If you opt to commit to an inpatient program, you will have the opportunity to live on campus with your treatment team. Changing the environment around you can help to remove the distractions in your life that may have been holding you back from accomplishing and maintaining your sobriety. Regardless of whether you find yourself struggling with your addiction early in the morning or you just need someone to talk to at the end of a long day, you will have access not only to your treatment team but also the other people that are working through their own treatment program. This added level of support is undeniably helpful during your time in recovery. 

An outpatient treatment program, on the other hand, is more flexible which is why it’s typically the treatment path that many people take if they are working or going to school part-time or full time. When you initially reach out to an intake team, they will take the time to get to learn more about you and understand the extent of your addiction and so that they can help you to put together a treatment plan that does not hinder you from your personal or professional responsibilities but also gets you the help that you need so that you can overcome your addiction to alcohol once and for all. 

Prescription Drugs Used in MAT Alcohol Rehab 

After speaking to your treatment team and determining that you are an ideal candidate for MAT, the next subject of discussion will be the medication that works best for you. A recovery plan can never fall into a one size fits all category which is why you should always take the time to learn more about the medication options that are available for a person that is struggling with an addiction to alcohol. 

Acamprosate 

Acamprosate is specifically designed for people that are in recovery and want to avoid drinking in the future. It’s important to note that this medication should not be taken by a person who has not made the conscious decision that they no longer want to drink. You will need to be at least five days removed from your last drink before you can take acamprosate. This drug takes hold fairly quickly and reaches its full effectiveness anywhere between five and eight days. Acamprosate is given in tablet form and it is something that is taken up three times a day. There are some possible physical side effects to this medication, however which can include stomach issues, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. 

Disulfiram 

Disulfiram is an example of a medication that is typically used by a person that is struggling with chronic alcoholism. Similar to Acamprosate, Disulfiram should never be taken if a person is still actively drinking. There should be at least a 12-hour gap between your last drink and the time that you begin to take Disulfiram. There are several side effects that a person may experience if they make the decision to drink after taking this drug such as headaches, nausea, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. These side effects can set in in as little as ten minutes even if you consume just a small amount of alcohol. 

Naltrexone 

Naltrexone is a powerful medication that is used to block the feeling of euphoria that you may experience during the time that you’re under the influence of alcohol. The premise behind this medication is that when the feeling of euphoria is blocked, you will be less likely to want to have your drink of choice because you won’t experience that sense of “high”. Naltrexone treatment can also help a person to remain focused on their recovery goals, stay in treatment, and avoid relapse.  

Combining Medication with Therapy for Effective Alcohol Rehab 

While medication can help you to feel more comfortable as you begin to work through the different aspects of your recovery, it’s essential that you don’t discount the important impact that therapy has on your overall treatment journey as well. There are several different types of therapy that you can expect to experience during your time in treatment. Here are a few of the examples of the types of therapy that you can expect to participate in during your time in alcohol rehab: 

• Individual therapy 

Individual therapy can help you to address the traumatic events in your life that you don’t feel comfortable sharing during a group therapy session. During individual therapy, you will work one on one with your addiction therapist so that you can heal from the situations that may have triggered your addiction. You will also have the chance to review your current treatment plan and make any changes if needed. 

• Group therapy 

Group therapy gives you the chance to make connections with other people that are working through their own treatment program. Through sharing and listening, you will likely come to find that you have a lot in common with other people in your group and this can be the first step toward building and developing your support system of support. 

• Behavioral therapy 

Unfortunately, healthy reactions to different situations can be skewed during the time that you’re in active addiction. Behavioral therapy can help you to adjust back to a sober way of thinking so that you’re able to maintain healthy relationships and have better interactions with those around you. 

• Family therapy 

Has the relationship that you have with your family members been harmed by your addiction? If so, then you wouldn’t be the first person to happen to. Family therapy can help you to mend your relationships with your loved ones. These sessions take place in a neutral type of environment where you and your family members will be able to clearly and calmly express your feelings and begin to plan a path toward reconnecting. 

Dual Diagnosis 

It’s important to remember that there are many people that suffer from a combination of mental illness issues as well as addiction. Sadly, mental illness isn’t something that is often addressed because it’s something that many people feel embarrassed by or ashamed of. However, when you have a dual diagnosis, meaning that you’re struggling with both addiction and mental illness, there is a specific treatment plan that your recovery team can help you develop so that you can begin to work through what you need to do to navigate both of these conditions. 

Alcohol Rehab and Detox at Resurgence 

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we provide our clients with nothing less than the best options for alcohol detox and rehab. We understand the struggles that are often associated with addiction which is why we consistently go above and beyond to ensure that you have the tools and the resources that you need to make the most out of your time with us. For more information about what you can expect when you work with our team, please give us a call today at (855) 458-0050.

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.

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