alcoholism, isn't there something to help suppress/quit cravings?

Question

i was hearing on the radio there was something in europe that they have that helped and had a 90% success rating.

if you anser with AA you should just die. cause their sucess rating is 5% thanks

bunny - thank you very much thats exactly what i was looking for thanks.

The mom, thank you.

Answer 1

I think the drug you are actually interested in is Naltrexone, sold as ReVia or Depade here in the US. The drug Bunny is thinking about is Antabuse, or Disulfiram. Antabuse makes you ill if you drink alcohol, not if you just smell it though. It does work through an aversion reaction, but it doesn't have the sort of sucess rate you are thinking.
Natltrexone works by blocking the pleasure feeling center of the brain that is stimulated by drugs like cocaine and other narcotics. You need a prescription for it, obviously, and usually take it for about 3-4 months. Doctors likely won't prescribe it for you unless you are in some sort of active treatment program, though. And the medication doesn't have a 90% sucess rate. There isn't a medication or treatment on the planet for treating alcoholism that does.
The Naltrexone can help control the cravings for alcohol, and in combination with a regular treatment program, can give you the best chance for overcoming the alcohol addiction. It was designed to help you break the habit by eliminating the distraction of cravings long enough for you to really feel the benefits of sobriety. Unfortunately, like all other treatments, your personal desire, will power, self control and motivation are the primary factors in determining final sucess. The medication is no miracle pill, and you definitely can't take it for life.
There are other programs besides AA, but AA is one of the most sucessful ones. I understand you would like better odds, but you also need to consider that the statistics you read can be manipulated by other things as well. First, alcoholics are never cured, they are in remission. They remain alcoholics for the rest of their lives. Most alcoholics fall off the wagon once or twice before they are finally sucessful in staying sober long term. The longer you stay sober, the more likely you will suceed in staying sober. It does get easier, as the months pass. For most, the first few months and first year are the hardest because there are so many things that are changed. You will have to alter your ideas about what a party is, and how to party. You may have to lose friends, if they will not support you. For many alcoholics, it is a complete life change, it's not as simple as just giving up the alcohol. The physical addiction is probably the easiest part to break, it's the mental addiction that's hard. And that's why the medication can help- but can't provide the long term cure.
I trained as a substance abuse counselor, so I understand why you would want to find something like this. I also understand why you might object to AA. It would be nice to be able to tell you that there was a program with a very high sucess rate, but there isn't one. If you are highly motivated to take control back, the medication and a treatment program will be of great assistance to you. But if you think you are going to do it alone with just a few pills to do it, you are setting yourself up to fail. I think you can recover from alcoholism, because many people do. But you need to use all the tools available to you, not just a few. I wish you luck beating the problem with alcholism. May you be one of the sucessful people, and good luck!

Answer 2

Hey Chad, I am glad you are seeking help. I was married to an alcoholic for 11 years. He tried 5 month long sessions, many different antidepressants and many medications that were supposed to suppress the cravings. Nothing worked until I found a company called Isagenix. It stopped even my chocolate cravings. A true miracle!! You have to start from the inside and recondition your body. It takes a couple of months or even faster for some. I hope you try it. My ex has been sober for over a year now. something even the experts could not do. Check out my websited http://liabeck.isagenix.com or call for a recorded message which is about 20 minutes long. Their phone is 212-990-7240 I wish you the best. Alcoholics are the nicest people out there. This is a horrible disease and needs to be treated from the inside out. Its not just in your mind. Lia

Answer 3

Someone mentioned Antabuse, which can be an effective deterrent. While on this med, if you even drink a little, you will get horribly sick.
Some people have had luck with certain SSRI drugs that help relieve cravings/obsessive thoughts. Wellbutrin and Zyban are 2 of these drugs. Smokers also can use them to help control cravings.

Answer 4

To add to bunny's post. the medication is called antabuse (the generic name is disulfiam) i have included a link to give you more information. This drug should not be used if there is just a slight alcohol problem. It may not be a bad idea to talk with a doctor or therapist about the problem itself. With this medication, your doctor will want to some blood tests and will continue to monitor your condition, liver function, and behavior.
Good luck

Answer 5

There are pills you can get from your doctor here in the US that will make you sick when you drink alcohol. It will also make you sick when you smell it. You don't have to take these meds forever. Your body will create an aversion to alcohol and you won't want it anymore.

Answer 6

AA, the book, not the group

Answer 7

well either move there or go to a local detox center

Answer 8

join the church of seventh day adventists