YSK that there are a range of medications that can prevent alcoholics and other addicts from relapsing
YSK that there are a range of medications that can prevent alcoholics and other addicts from relapsing
Affordable, safe, generic anticonvulsants restore homeostasis to the brains of chronic drinkers, but they are not being promoted.
If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with this its worth knowing and worth asking your doctor about. Article mainly discusses generic anticonvulsants that have proven beneficial, but there are others such as Naltrexone that can also be helpful.
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My husband is currently taking naltrexone, so I just wanted to hop on here and say to anyone that is considering taking it, please be careful and do your research! It's not that the medication is bad, but you should prepare for it before you start, especially if you currently drink in high quantities. My husband went to a psychiatrist who specializes in substance use, she gave him an RX for naltrexone but didn't provide really any resources or advice about how to approach it. The first night, he decided to drink maybe half of his normal nightly amount of alcohol - he vomited multiple times, had bad chills, etc. There's also risk of seizures if you try to quit or taper down from alcohol too quickly. After that night, he decided that he would only take half his naltrexone dose at first and would taper down very slowly. Things have been going much better for the last few weeks. Also, you really need someone to help you stay accountable if you're going to try an at-home detox. In our case, we locked up all of the alcohol in our house (I keep the key). And I'm in the room with my husband while he drinks a specific amount of vodka each night. Since that first night, I don't think he's really had any significant side effects.
I went cold turkey and the first week felt like a nightmare. I know everyone is different so a multitude of options is very good. Props to you for being a supportive wife. My wife helped me through my addiction immensely and I'll never be able to repay her for the amount of support she gave me. I'm 2.5 years sober now and feeling great.
I try to find ways to sho my thanks to her everyday and our marriage is significantly better because of me overcoming my urge to drink.
(Used to be 8-12 beers on work nights, drink until blackout on weekends)
This isn't directed to OP of the comment I'm replying to, just piggy backing off it with my experience.
I used to drink a liter of vodka and 12 Steel reserves every day. I'm 7.5 years sober.
I did medical detox. If you are dependent on alcohol, DO NO QUIT COLD TURKEY.
It could kill you.
The truth is after quitting in order to stay sober you really really want to be sober. You need to be 100% committed. It's not easy. People can offer help but the truth is there is little they can do (but any help is good) but its really almost all on you, and you can do it if you want it bad enough... I know because I made it out and my life is better than ever for it.
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk? ❤️
I did not see this reply until now. Just want to say keep it up man! I'm proud of you! Would also echo the medical detox if you're dependent.
Naltrexone cuts of the euphoria by blocking opioid receptors. Opioid receptors also mediate liking so you stop liking the experience because you're blocked at the time. Eventually, you stop neurochemically associating alc with pleasure and benefit. You just get the shitty impairment effects, no joy