As mentioned above, combining AUD medications with therapy or programs that address psychosocial issues shows better and longer-lasting outcomes. While one medication may not suit all people, there are many options for each situation. These include medicines that are safer for people with advanced liver disease, choices for people who want to cut back gradually, and options that help people reinforce abstinence.

• Here, we’ll cover five of the most common and effective medications to help you stop drinking.
• It often affects a person’s health, relationships, and work, yet they continue drinking heavily despite these negative impacts.
• A doctor will consider all these factors when estimating how long-lasting and how severe your symptoms may be.
• You shouldn’t use naltrexone if you have liver failure or acute hepatitis.

If you think you might have AUD, talk to your healthcare provider about whether medication is a good option for you. There are a few different medication options for treating AUD. These medications may help you stop drinking or reduce your drinking. They include naltrexone and acamprosate, which are FDA-approved for AUD and considered first-choice options. Disulfiram is another medication approved to treat AUD that may help prevent drinking by causing an unpleasant reaction if you drink. But studies have suggested that it may help people reduce drinking and help people maintain abstinence.

Behavioral Therapy

Alcohol dependence can also develop from low self-esteem or a desire to be socially accepted. Though it has many possible causes, the physiological effects of alcohol withdrawal can be enough for some people to continue drinking heavily and start a dangerous cycle. One of the ways to control alcohol cravings is through medically assisted treatment. It is incredibly difficult for most people who experience this issue. However, there are medication-assisted strategies that reduce the physical responses when experiencing alcohol cravings. These treatments can curb cravings and make walking away from the situation more manageable.

However, when alcohol makes up part of your typical routine, drinking can become something of an automatic response, especially when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. Turner notes the importance of bringing along a trusted support person get rid of alcohol cravings when attending events that involve alcohol. It’s often easier to turn down a drink when you don’t have to do it alone. Research the kinds of treatment that are available and discuss these options with your friend or family member.

Reasons for Drinking

Another sign of relapse is when the person acts like they did when they were drinking before. They may also hang out at bars and reconnect with people they considered a drinking buddy before they quit. When a person is surrounded by individuals who drink or go to places where alcohol is readily available, it is an overwhelming temptation. This medication was created to help people with opioid cravings, but experts realized that it helps with alcohol cravings too. Consideration for current medical issues is also imperative.

Other small studies show that naltrexone is more effective than acamprosate in many ways including reducing the relapse rate. And yet other studies have found no difference between the two medications. Along with medication and other treatment support, a range of alternative therapies may be effective in lessening alcohol cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. The first step to living an alcohol-free life is to seek professional assistance.