Some of the most common drugs used to treat alcohol use disorder at Inspiration Health Addiction Treatment Center (IHAT) are Naltrexone, Vivitrol, and Acamprosate.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is given as an oral pill and as a pure opioid antagonist that binds to receptors in the brain it is also shown to block the euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication from alcohol. This allows people with alcohol use disorders to reduce alcohol use and to remain motivated to continue to take the medication, stay in treatment, and avoid relapses. Naltrexone was approved in 1995 by the FDA for treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is extended-release naltrexone given in the form of an injection and it is time released so a person only needs an injection every 28 days making it easier for persons in recovery to reduce alcohol consumption by alleviating cravings without having to take a pill every day. Vivitrol was FDA approved in 2006 for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is a delayed-release tablet that is used orally to help persons who have stopped drinking significant amounts of alcohol avoid drinking again. Acamprosate has been shown to help people’s brains return to normal after consuming substantial amounts of alcohol, assisting in their recovery and alcohol sobriety. As long as the drug is taken, Acamprosate will help a person avoid drinking alcohol.
Additional medications often used to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms by our Doctors and Nurse Practitioners at IHAT while stabilizing a client suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome include drugs like:
Loperamide (Imodium)
Clonidine
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Trazadone
Buspirone
Seroquel
Remeron
Ibuprofen 800
Benzodiazepines
