If you’ve ever felt trapped by alcohol dependence, haunted by withdrawal fears or persistent cravings, you’re not alone. The cycle can feel endless, with freedom always seeming just out of reach.
But there’s hope. Modern advancements in addiction medicine–including innovative medications–are making recovery safer and more attainable by helping manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) symptoms and prevent relapse.
Here’s how alcoholism medication can support your journey to lasting sobriety.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex medical condition that develops when drinking begins to take control of your life, affecting everything from daily routines to close relationships. While many assume AUD is simply about how often or how much someone drinks, the reality is more nuanced. The true marker of AUD is the inability to control alcohol consumption even when it’s causing clear harm to your health, work, or relationships.
Like many chronic conditions, AUD exists on a spectrum. Some people experience mild symptoms, perhaps struggling with occasional binge drinking or finding it difficult to cut back. Others face more severe challenges, as frequent heavy alcohol consumption leads to a physical dependence that makes stopping feel impossible without help.
Long-term alcohol misuse can lead to severe health risks, including liver disease, severe renal dysfunction (kidney failure), and severe heart disease. What’s crucial to understand is that wherever you fall on this spectrum, AUD is a medical condition that responds to treatment–not a moral failing or lack of willpower.
Safety first: The dangers of unsupervised detox
Attempting to withdraw from alcohol without medical care can be life-threatening. Symptoms like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) are medical emergencies that require immediate attention, often developing within 48 to 72 hours after the last drink.
Today’s alcoholism medications, when administered during a medically-supervised detox, can significantly reduce these risks by preventing seizures and DTs, managing stress and anxiety, and stabilizing vital signs. Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness—it’s the safest and most effective way to achieve lasting recovery. 1
When do you need medication for AUD?
If your body has become dependent on alcohol, medication can help support a safe and effective detox. You may require medication for AUD if you:
- Drink more or for a longer period than intended.
- Have repeatedly tried to cut down or stop drinking without success.
- Experience persistent alcohol cravings, or are preoccupied with drinking alcohol.
- Neglect responsibilities at work, school, or home due to alcohol.
- Experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, tremors, or anxiety, after stopping or reducing alcohol consumption.
When alcohol dependence develops, your body adapts to function with alcohol present, making unsupervised withdrawal dangerous or fatal. For those with moderate to severe AUD, medications are essential for managing potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and supporting your long-term recovery journey.
Types of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Medications
When someone with AUD stops drinking, their body, which has gotten used to the chemical effects of alcohol, can react–sometimes violently. This intense reaction results in AWS, which are various symptoms that range from mild anxiety and sweating to severe seizures or hallucinations.
Here’s a look at some AWS medications that can help stabilize the body during this vulnerable period.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a type of anxiety medication that work by calming the central nervous system to reduce the risk of seizures and DTs that can come with detoxing from alcohol. Benzodiazepines are the most common medication used to treat AUD withdrawal symptoms. 2
- Types: Diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
- Effectiveness: Highly effective in treating severe AWS symptoms by preventing overexcitement of the nervous system.
- Potential Benefits: Rapid relief from trembling, anxiety, and insomnia during alcohol withdrawal–also known as the acute withdrawal phase.
- Dosage Form: Oral tablets or injectable liquid.
- Potential Side Effects Include: Drowsiness, dizziness, and, in rare cases, dependency if not properly managed.
Benzodiazepines are effective for treating alcohol withdrawal but require careful medical supervision due to their potential for dependence and interactions with other medications. While often prescribed in inpatient settings as a means to comfortably withdraw from alcohol, the specific type and dosing schedule depends on factors like withdrawal severity and individual symptoms.
Non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants (NBACs)
NBACs offer an important alternative for patients who may not respond well to benzodiazepines or need a less sedating option. Medications like gabapentin carry a lower risk of dependence and can help you avoid withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures. This makes them particularly suitable for mild to moderate withdrawal cases. 3
- Examples: Gabapentin (Horizant, Gralise), carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine (Tegretol, Curtatil), valproic acid/divalproex (Depakene, Stravzor), levetiracetam (Keppra), and topiramate/zonisamide (Topamax).
- Effectiveness: Less risk of dependence compared to benzodiazepines and can be suitable for patients with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms.
- Potential Benefits: Decreases the risk of withdrawal-related seizures and decrease sleep disturbances.
- Dosage Form: Oral capsules, tablets, or oral solution.
- Potential Side Effects Include: Fatigue, dizziness, and mild stomach discomfort.
Your doctor will carefully evaluate your specific situation to determine which medication approach is safest and most effective for your recovery journey. Regular monitoring and dose adjustments ensure optimal results while minimizing potential side effects.
Related: How to Get Anxiety Medication
Types of Alcohol Relapse Prevention Medications
Even after withdrawal symptoms seemingly go away, many individuals continue to struggle with ongoing cravings and the deep fear of relapse. Fortunately, medications exist that are designed to address these valid concerns, which can provide incredible support for maintaining sobriety. 4
Here are several different types of medications that can reduce the likelihood of alcohol relapse.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which diminishes the pleasure and reward signals that are typically associated with drinking alcohol. When someone drinks while taking naltrexone, they don’t experience the same level of euphoria or satisfaction, which helps reduce cravings and makes it easier to either stop drinking or drink less.
- Effectiveness: Particularly useful for reducing the frequency and intensity of drinking episodes.
- Potential Benefits: Induces unpleasant symptoms when drinking, which can help reduce alcohol cravings.
- Dosage Form: One oral tablet or capsule per day, or one injection a month.
- Potential Side Effects Include: Nausea, headache, and fatigue.
Acamprosate (Campral)
Unlike naltrexone which blocks alcohol’s pleasurable effects, acamprosate helps normalize brain chemistry disrupted by alcohol abuse. This effectively addresses the emotional and psychological distress that often accompanies early recovery.
- Effectiveness: Reduces the likelihood of relapse, particularly in those experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
- Potential Benefits: Encourages emotional stability, allowing individuals to focus on therapy and long-term goals.
- Dosage Form: Six oral tablets per day taken with or without food.
- Potential Side Effects Include: Mild stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
Acamprosate is particularly effective when started after you’ve stopped drinking and can be safely combined with other medications used in alcohol treatment. Most people need to take acamprosate for at least six months to experience its full benefits in supporting long-term sobriety.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
When you drink, disulfiram triggers an immediate physical reaction–such as nausea, flushing, and vomiting–by blocking an enzyme that’s processed during alcohol ingestion. Even small amounts can trigger these effects within minutes, making drinking physically intolerable.
- Effectiveness: Best suited for people who are highly motivated to stay sober.
- Potential Benefits: Discourages impulsive drinking by creating a strong unpleasant reaction.
- Dosage Form: Oral tablets.
- Potential Side Effects Include: Nausea, headache, and flushing.
Taking disulfiram requires strict medication adherence and monitoring, as even small amounts of alcohol in something like mouthwash can trigger a reaction.
Beyond The Pill: Supporting Holistic Treatments for Alcoholism
While medications play a vital role in recovery, lasting sobriety requires addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of alcoholism. This is why a holistic treatment approach that combines psychiatric interventions with different types of therapy often leads to better outcomes. 5
Some holistic approaches to consider that can help you recover from AUD include:
- Psychiatry and Medication Management: A personalized approach ensures medications are fine-tuned to meet each patient’s needs.
- Psychotherapy: Evidence-based therapies–such as anxiety therapy and addiction therapy–help address the root causes of addiction while building coping skills.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): For individuals grappling with co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, TMS therapy for addiction offers a cutting-edge, noninvasive alternative to medication that promotes brain health.
- Lifestyle Interventions: Emphasis is placed on balanced nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise to aid physical and emotional well-being.
At Neuro Wellness Spa, our full spectrum of services is tailored to support individuals through every step of their recovery journey. This integrated approach combines medication management with evidence-based therapies and lifestyle interventions, helping you build the skills and support system needed for sustainable recovery.
Start Your Recovery From Alcoholism
Quitting alcohol is not just about stopping drinking–it’s about regaining control over your life. The early days of recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Modern treatment approaches combine proven medications with personalized support, significantly improving your chances of successful recovery.
Understanding your treatment options and having realistic expectations are crucial first steps. While some people may experience setbacks, each attempt at sobriety provides valuable insights and strengthens your resolve. With proper medical support, therapy, and a strong support system, you can build the foundation for lasting change and rediscover a life free from alcohol’s influence.
Alcoholism Treatment at Neuro Wellness Spa
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we will support your alcoholism recovery journey. Our team of experts composed of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists will work with you collaboratively to implement a substance use treatment plan that includes psychiatric medication management for withdrawals and underlying mental health, TMS therapy to treat underlying depression, and psychotherapy to manage cravings, resolve family conflicts, and enhance the ability to make healthier choices necessary for recovery from addiction.
Let today be the start of a healthier future. Contact Neuro Wellness Spa today to learn about how our addiction treatments support your path to lasting sobriety.
References
- “What to Expect at an Alcohol Rehab Program.” American Addiction Centers, americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/rehab-treatment/what-to-expect
- Center, A. (2025, February 10). Benzodiazepines for alcohol Withdrawal – Addiction Center. Addiction Center. https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/benzodiazepines-alcohol-withdrawal/
- Hammond, C. J., Niciu, M. J., Drew, S., & Arias, A. J. (2015). Anticonvulsants for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and alcohol use disorders. CNS Drugs, 29(4), 293–311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-015-0240-4
- Website, N. (2024, August 22). Treatment. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/treatment/
- Greenestone. “Holistic Addiction Treatment.” GreeneStone, 20 Sept. 2021, greenestone.net/resources/blog/holistic-addiction-treatment/