Three medications are FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD): naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. They work in different ways and are used for different treatment goals. Medication can be combined with counseling, behavioral treatment, mutual aid, and other recovery supports.
How does naltrexone help with alcohol use disorder?
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and can reduce alcohol’s rewarding effects and the urge to drink for some people. It is available in oral and extended-release injectable forms.
What does acamprosate do?
Acamprosate is used to help people maintain abstinence after they have stopped drinking. It acts on brain systems involved in the changes that occur with chronic alcohol exposure.
How does disulfiram work?
Disulfiram interferes with alcohol metabolism. Drinking alcohol while taking it can cause an unpleasant reaction, so it is intended to support abstinence in carefully selected patients.
Which medication is best?
There is no single best medication for everyone. Clinicians consider drinking goals, liver and kidney health, opioid use, medication adherence, other medical conditions, pregnancy when relevant, and patient preference.
Do medications replace counseling?
No. Medication can be one part of a broader treatment plan, but it does not replace individualized assessment, behavioral treatment, recovery support, or management of co-occurring mental health conditions when those services are needed.
Can medication be started during rehab?
Potentially, if a qualified prescriber determines it is appropriate and the treatment setting can provide or coordinate it. Availability varies by facility.
Trinity Behavioral Health provides information about adult residential addiction treatment. This article does not state that Trinity currently offers any specific AUD medication; medication availability should be verified directly.
Frequently asked questions
Are these medications addictive?
Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are not controlled substances and do not produce an alcohol-like high.
Can someone take medication and still attend therapy?
Yes. Medication and therapy are often used together.
Are benzodiazepines medications for AUD?
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal, but they are not maintenance medications for alcohol use disorder.
Sources
This article is general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.