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Science has made some strides in modern counseling and even medications.
The group Alcoholics Anonymous doesn't have a position about medications to reduce cravings. Since 1934, their 12-Step solution centers around prayer and fellowship with former alcoholics who take turns sharing their horror stories in daily, or weekly meetings for life. We'll talk more about AA, kicking the habit, and staying off of it below here.
Naltrexone and its injectable brand name Vivitrol are now often prescribed by family physicians, psychiatrists, and drug treatment centers to help certain addicts and alcoholics stop drinking or drugging by reducing or stopping their drug or drink cravings. It's a prescription drug given by monthly injection or pills for a few months to help patients in a drug treatment program to kick their habit. It's very effective to kickstart a plan for those seriously wanting to stop drinking or using certain opiates.The name brand Vivitrol is more expensive (from $40 for pills or several hundred dollars a month for the shot) but sometimes paid by insurance, or a state facility. The course usually lasts about five months; seeing a doctor-- a psychiatrist-- first is usually required because Naltrexone requires a doctor's prescription.
NOTE: You may have to ASK for this drug; treatment centers don't usually offer it and some don't have staff physicians to prescribe it.The shot or pills are given to patients who must be off alcohol for more than a week or two while they get drug treatment to prevent early relapse. See your doctor or contact a treatment programs or other medications to help you. Vivitrol or the generic Naltrexone is usually prescribed ONLY for patients actually in a drug treatment program. because that's what works. Some doctors have no problem with their patients using it for long term if that's what it takes.
The Doctor's Opinion
HHS manuscript by Raymond Anton, MD
Warning: Do not take Naltrexone if you go back to drinking or use opiods while taking it. It could kill you. More from WebMD on dangers and side affects, which sometimes include aches and pains. Ask your doctor if this medicine would help curb overeating, even gambling addictions. It is, after all, a pleasure inhibitor. Drug Side effects
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