It will come as no surprise to anyone that alcoholism is a common chronic disease. Yes, it is the excessive, uncontrolled and regular consumption of alcoholic beverages that leads to a person being called an alcoholic. Moreover, this disease is accompanied by a number of side effects and changes in the body. During severe intoxication, loss of memory and common sense occurs, coordination of movements is impaired, and speech becomes incomprehensible to a sober person. All this happens due to the fact that the nerve cells of our brain cease to function correctly.
Long-term ingestion of alcohol leads to serious health problems, here are some of them:
- Kidney and liver diseases. With long-term, frequent and regular use of the “green snake”, cirrhosis of the liver is possible with a fatal outcome;
- Intoxication of the entire body without exception with poisons;
- Metabolic disorders, which can lead to excessive exhaustion of the body;
- Very often, this chronic illness leads to multiple mental illnesses (depression, nervous breakdowns, delirium tremens and even schizophrenia);
- But the worst thing is that conceiving a baby while drunk can lead to the fact that in the future the child born will become an alcohol addict.
The main thing is to recognize incipient alcoholism in the early stages and stages and begin to treat it on time.
Drug treatment of alcohol
What drugs are used to treat alcoholism? They often contain components that reduce the body’s sensitivity to alcohol, as well as sedatives. This helps the alcoholic to experience an aversion to alcohol, and also to cope with withdrawal symptoms more easily.
Anti-addiction drugs
Anti-alcohol medications can help reduce cravings. Most often they contain disulfiram or other substances that reduce the susceptibility of body cells to alcoholic beverages.
Drugs to treat withdrawal symptoms
Such medications accelerate the removal of residual alcohol from the blood and cleanse the body. Conventionally, this group also includes sorbents, saline solutions to eliminate dehydration, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.
Antidepressants for alcohol dependence
Since an alcoholic without alcohol begins to experience depression, antidepressants are almost always included in the list of drugs for drinking. They will help you withstand the withdrawal process and eliminate suicidal thoughts.
Nootropics for alcoholism
Since the brain and heart suffer greatly in people who drink, it is important to help the body and restore normal blood circulation. Nootropics are designed to do just that. They should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor, who will select the appropriate drug and dosage.
Tranquilizers for alcoholism
They are used if the patient is aggressive or the stage of “delirium tremens” has begun. These medications are quite serious, so only a doctor should calculate the dosage. It is worth noting that tranquilizers can be addictive.
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Medicines for quitting alcohol
A combination of medications for alcoholism is usually prepared by a narcologist. Some people do without tranquilizers and antidepressants, making do with cleansing the body and taking medications to combat cravings for alcohol.
Tablets for chronic alcoholism
How is alcoholism treated if it has become chronic? Doctors use not only special medications, but also the most common ones, for example, antibiotics or anti-poisoning drugs. They are incompatible with alcohol intake and cause nausea and vomiting. If there is inflammation in the body (and alcoholics have it in almost 100 percent of cases), taking medications will kill two birds with one stone.
Can an alcoholic stop drinking on his own?
The answer to the question whether a person can stop drinking on his own, with the exception of the most advanced cases, will be positive. But getting rid of alcoholism is only possible when the alcoholic really wants to be cured. There may be several reasons for such a decision:
- a person realizes how harmful alcohol affects health, is afraid of serious illnesses, possible disability, death;
- the drinker realizes how low he has fallen, wants to regain his status in society, self-respect and the respect of others;
- the alcoholic gains motivation - some reason why not drinking becomes more profitable for him than drinking (for example, by continuing to drink, he may lose his family or a good job).
Quitting alcohol
Having realized the problem, acting step by step and purposefully, using the right techniques, and enlisting the support of loved ones, a person can recover from alcoholism even without the help of doctors. And over time, he can change his views and seek help from a specialist to improve and consolidate the result.
Effective medications for alcoholism (list of drugs)
How to treat alcohol with medications and which ones? Below is a list of medications that can help an addict recover.
Alcohol addiction pills
The tablets will help relieve cravings for alcohol, as well as alleviate the effects of withdrawal symptoms. Some are freely sold in pharmacies, and the most powerful ones can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Diazepam
Prescribed for chronic alcoholism to relieve withdrawal symptoms and calm the nervous system. Used only in combination with other medications. Narcologists prescribe the drug with caution - it can cause severe addiction and side effects.
Tianeptine
Included in the list of controlled drugs in the Russian Federation. It has a good effect - it reduces cravings for alcohol and improves mood. Long-term use may be addictive. It is taken only under the supervision of a doctor; if you refuse the medication, the dose is reduced gradually.
Fluanxol
The only serious drawback of this medicine is the high price. In all other respects, it benefits significantly - it relieves withdrawal symptoms, calms the nerves, and normalizes sleep. The effect of Fluanxol persists after discontinuation of use for a month.
Acamprosat
This medicine is used in the USA and Europe. It has a fairly pronounced effect, but has not yet passed state registration in Russia. Has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. The principle of action has not been fully studied, but so far no serious side effects have been identified.
Alcobarrier
Contains only plant components, for example, artichoke and motherwort extract. It has a sedative effect, relieves cravings for alcohol and restores liver function. Helps in the initial stages of the disease.
Trezvonorm
Another herbal preparation that relieves cravings for alcohol, reduces withdrawal symptoms, normalizes sleep and appetite. Like Alcobarrier, it is well suited for mild stages of alcoholism. These two drugs will be a good help for those who didn’t plan on drinking strong drinks at a party and need to get in shape in the morning. For chronic and severe stages of alcoholism, such medications are practically not prescribed.
Alcohol drops
This medication format is convenient for those who want to secretly turn a loved one away from alcohol. Drops can be mixed into tea or soup; they are often specially made odorless and tasteless. Attention – you can only use drugs if at least 12 hours have passed since your last drink!
Colma
Quite an expensive drug, but effective. When taken with vodka or another drink, the patient’s health sharply worsens - blood pressure rises, vomiting and nausea begin. For many, this helps to establish a mental barrier for themselves. 20-25 drops of the product are taken at intervals of 12 hours.
Alconol
The drug removes toxins and minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Its most important effect is the production of dopamine by the body, which improves the patient’s mood. 1 course of medication gives a good effect in not very advanced cases.
Proprothene-100
These drops have been sold in pharmacies for a long time and have proven themselves well. They have a sedative and immunomodulatory effect. A big plus is the price - no more than 300 rubles, sold without a prescription.
Coprinol
Causes a persistent dislike for alcohol. Cannot be used for diseases of the liver, kidneys and heart. Minus - the cost of one bottle is about 10,000 rubles, it is important to strictly follow the instructions.
Alcoprost
A completely herbal and body-safe product. Can be used even with cirrhosis of the liver. It has a good effect on alcoholics prone to aggression.
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Length of use
Duration of the binge
Accompanying illnesses
Injections against alcoholism
Even the most effective pills for alcoholism may not help, and then it makes sense to pay attention to injections. Injections are also used if the patient has gastrointestinal problems that make it undesirable to take many medications.
At the same time, the injection is not a magic wand at all. Unfortunately, no modern treatment method provides a guarantee of results. The most important thing is the attitude of the patient himself.
Esperal
An injection with Esperal prevents alcohol consumption due to its principle of action. When drinking alcohol, a person begins to feel the symptoms of serious poisoning - nausea, vomiting, surges in blood pressure, etc.
Disulfiram
The medicine is injected into a vein, the duration of action is from one to three years. For chronic severe diseases, the injection is not given; in addition, the drug can cause serious complications.
This list is far from complete, but the essence of the drugs’ action is the same – a sharp deterioration in well-being after the first glass of alcohol. It is worth noting that over and over again the effect of the injections weakens, in addition, constant breakdowns significantly worsen health, both mental and physical. Injections should only be used by a person who has firmly decided to fight a destructive passion and other methods do not help him. It is important to realize that this is not a simple injection, but the introduction into the body of substances that partially rearrange the functioning of internal organs.
Consequences of taking medications
Each medication has its own list of negative consequences. Anti-drinking remedies are no exception. However, constant drinking is no healthier. If you strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor and the manufacturer of the medicine, there is a chance of avoiding a negative result.
Side effects of anti-alcoholism pills
Effective pills for alcoholism can also cause the following unpleasant symptoms:
- When taking psychotropics, hallucinations and liver intoxication are possible. Most often this occurs when the dosage is exceeded and the drug is abruptly discontinued;
- nootropics can cause a serious spike in blood pressure. This happens quite rarely if you follow the dosage;
- nausea; vomiting, diarrhea;
- allergic reaction.
We draw your attention to the fact that you should never add drugs to treat alcoholism to a person’s alcohol or food. Some of them are completely incompatible with alcohol and can cause cirrhosis of the liver in tandem with each other. Only herbal anti-alcohol drugs can be used in this way, but combining them with strong drinks is not recommended.
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When there is positive dynamics
If an alcohol dependent person has agreed to treatment and is already showing the first results, the main task is to maintain positive dynamics and avoid relapses. To do this, it is recommended not to purchase alcohol and to get rid of all alcohol-containing drinks in your home. This will allow you, even if the desire arises, not to break down and drink.
When problems arise, we need to talk about them. Listen to your loved ones so that they do not look for a solution in alcohol. You can reconsider your environment. It is beneficial to communicate with people who have already overcome addiction. It is also worth refusing to communicate with companies where they constantly drink a lot. Even during the holidays, substitute juice for alcohol until you can control your drinking.
Treatment of alcoholism with tablets at home
A favorable outcome of home treatment largely depends on the correct actions. The most important condition is the desire of the alcoholic. The first stage is going to the doctor and getting a list of medications for treatment. At a mild stage of alcoholism, pills and subsequent psychotherapy are usually enough. For the drugs to work, all conditions must be met:
- daily routine with enough sleep. In the first days of treatment, drowsiness is possible, and if possible, it is better to take a vacation or sick leave;
- nutritious meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Much water;
- exclusion from the life of all parties, as well as friends and friends who incite drinking;
- As soon as you feel better, you need to include physical activity in your life. Even long walks are included here.
In general, for a favorable outcome of treatment, a person must find a hobby to his liking. This will allow you not to think about alcohol. Treatment with medications is also not enough; in the future, you must definitely visit a psychotherapist. Alas, few people do this. If the dependence on alcohol is strong, the risk of relapse at home increases significantly. It’s unfortunate that most often it is the environment that leads to a new alcohol binge.
Fighting a hangover
A hangover, or alcohol poisoning of the body, is an obligatory companion of all alcoholics. Therefore, without relieving this condition, treatment will be ineffective. After all, a person can often get rid of unpleasant sensations only with the help of a new portion of alcohol; to prevent this, you need to help him relieve a hangover in other ways.
- If a person wants to get rid of this condition himself, he needs to drink more fluids and do physical work. Various exercises until you sweat or intense work will help to quickly rid the body of toxins.
- Activated carbon can be used for the same purpose. This is an excellent remedy for cleansing the body of alcohol breakdown products. You need to take the medicine at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. Take plenty of liquid.
- It’s not for nothing that alcoholics drink pickle juice when they have a hangover. This remedy can really help get rid of unpleasant symptoms. But it is best to use sauerkraut brine for these purposes, as it contains a large amount of vitamin C. It should be taken in a third of a glass several times a day.
- Mint tincture dissolved in a glass of cold water helps sober up and get rid of hangover symptoms.
- Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink at least 3 glasses of this product. Baking soda helps fight toxins well.
How to relieve alcohol addiction
To save time and money, if you have serious alcoholism, it is better to contact our clinic immediately. Experienced narcologists will assess the patient’s condition and prescribe the most effective treatment. If a person is drunk, the clinic offers a detoxification and blood purification service.
After drug therapy, the patient can undergo a course of psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage, etc. All this is of great importance for relieving cravings for alcohol and improving the health of the body.
Another advantage of the clinic is that the patient is assigned a narcologist and psychotherapist. This helps you stop being embarrassed to discuss your problems, and the doctor will more closely monitor the dynamics of therapy. And remember - admitting that you have addictions is already a step forward in treatment. A conversation with a doctor in 80 percent of cases helps to convince even the most stubborn people of the need for treatment. In addition, the addict's family often also needs psychotherapy.
We do not guarantee the 100th result of recovery from alcoholism - this is impossible. But the clinic team will do everything possible for each patient. We hope that the problem of alcoholism will bypass your family!
Article prepared by an expert
Terekhov Vasily Stanislavovich
Social work specialist, member of the Association of Professional Counselors, coordinator of rehabilitation programs for alcohol and other addictions. More than 8 years of experience working with addicts and their families.
