Monthly shot could help fight alcohol addiction

It's an uphill battle many alcoholics struggle with: resisting the craving to drink. While it's certainly no cure, some doctors say a monthly shot could help more alcohol-dependent patients fight the urge.

“Vivitrol is an injectable form of a medicine known as Naltrexone. Naltrexone is available in oral form, but this is an injectable form, which is given to the patient once-a-month for several reasons: to increase compliance, so patients don't have to worry about taking the pill; and it delivers a level of drug, which is really very adequate for dealing with alcohol issues,” says Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Dr. Steven Lamm.

Using a drug to treat addiction may seem ironic, but doctors say it can work. How? The drug blocks the brain receptor that may associate reward benefits with drinking. There are other drugs to help with alcohol addiction, but they have to be taken daily, and often with pretty harsh side effects like sweating, vomiting, and rapid heart beat.

Doctors say the once-a-month injectable cuts down on that. One patient says she wouldn't call the shot a miracle drug, but it's the only thing that's helped her with 15 years of addiction.

“It's been very helpful. I haven’t been drinking as much. I don't drink every day. I used to before I took Vivitrol and when I do drink, I drink a lot less than I used to,” says the recovery alcoholic, who asked to remain anonymous.

While the shot doesn't necessarily stop alcoholics from drinking, doctors say being able to dramatically reduce the amount of heavy drinking days for patients has a huge impact on physical and emotional health.

“Our belief has been that abstinence is the goal for alcoholism and I believe that myself, but at this point I am at least satisfied my patients are drinking significantly less,” says Dr. Lamm. “When they are drinking less there quality of life and their family's quality of life is dramatically improved and these people can then maintain and hold a job.”

However doctors and addiction experts alike make it clear, the shot is no magic bullet.

“We need to continue to look at this medication and others to determine their efficacy,” says substance abuse treatment program Odyssey House president Dr. Peter Provet. “Ultimately, such medications, though, need to be combined with psychosocial treatment for a broad range of addicts and alcoholics.”

source: http://capitalnews9.com

 

6 comments:

  1. Nazmul said,

    The recommendation is provided by doctor is very helpful for alcoholist.So,every one should follow this and get remove from alcohol as soon as possible.
    --------------------------
    Franklin Rose
    This is a comprehensive addiction portal focusing on topics of alcohol and drug abuse. http://www.alcoholaddiction.org

    on May 13, 2008 at 1:26 AM


  2. Unknown said,

    Comprehensive resources for those looking for recovery from addiction. http://www.addictionrecovery.net

    on May 31, 2008 at 12:51 AM


  3. mohammed12 said,

    I was lonely. I was just going to have one drink. I know that I can never just have one, and I didn’t. I barely remember what happened. I’m lucky that I wasn’t hurt too badly and that I didn’t kill someone else. My new $35,000 Saab is gone and I had to spend the night in jail. I’m so ashamed. This is the last time. I‘m done with drinking. You know the worst part? I want a drink right now! I wish I took your advice, and started the Prometa treatments.”
    ------------------
    Mohammmed


    Georgia Alcohol Addiction Treatment

    on August 27, 2008 at 1:37 AM


  4. Unknown said,

    Alcohol addiction is one of the serious problem which causes a lot of health problems both physically and mentally. I have heard a lot of medications and other ways to reduce drinking alcohol but i feel this is the best way to get rid of alcohol as there is no side effects. And most of all its recommended by the doctors.

    --------------------
    Jenny
    http://www.alcoholtreatmentclinics.com

    on October 9, 2008 at 2:41 AM


  5. Unknown said,
    This comment has been removed by the author.

    on October 9, 2008 at 2:50 AM


  6. Unknown said,

    The individual that runs the risk of having a problem with alcohol takes a turn from the general population at this point. This individual begins to use alcohol as a form of self-medication. Alcohol Intervention

    on January 2, 2013 at 4:22 AM