Within the United States, many individuals are suffering from a debilitating disease. It affects 12 million people of all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and social classes.  It is an equal opportunity source of misery that disrupts families, friendships, work, and personal happiness for the sufferer and those who surround them. It is not cancer or heart disease; it is alcoholism, a controlling condition where the body and mind become reliant on alcohol. Without help, alcoholics will continue to drink at all costs.

There are a variety of ways to combat alcoholism. One method is a drug known as naltrexone that impacts the part of the brain that gets “pleasure” from drinking alcohol. When combined with other treatment forms like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), naltrexone can aid in reducing the bodily dependence on alcohol.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is described as a chronic, recurring disease. In alcoholism, the body becomes dependent on alcohol and experiences the following:

• Strong craving for alcohol

• Loss of control and inability to prevent self from drinking

• Physical dependence on alcohol

• Higher tolerance of alcohol

Alcoholics get a strong urge to drink and cannot stop drinking once they start. Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, or nervousness are seen in the absence of drinking. Because they have a higher physical tolerance to drinking, alcoholics need to drink increasingly greater quantities of alcohol to get the mental high associated with drinking. 

The symptoms of alcoholism often affect a person’s life and can include poor job performance, lack of healthy social interaction, and placing oneself in the way of harm or the law. Often, an alcoholic will continue to drink in spite of being aware of the emotional, health, or financial issues that arise as a result of this chronic dependence.

Individuals who come from chaotic homes with broken relationships are at greater risk of becoming alcoholics. The emotional trauma that comes from a difficult upbringing may drive them to see drinking as an escape from inner pain. There is also evidence of alcoholism running in families which suggests a genetic component of dependence.

Nevertheless, many sufferers have a healthy childhood and develop dependence for reasons that may or may not involve emotional trauma or stress. A person’s lifestyle and environment can play a role in the development of alcoholism.

 

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist; this means that it blocks the part of the brain that gives a feeling of pleasure upon consumption of alcohol. It reduces individuals’ desire to drink because they no longer derive pleasure from the alcohol and helps them remain sober after quitting. Naltrexone is a prescription drug available in tablet form and can be taken at home or at a treatment center under supervision. Generally, it is taken once a day with or without food. It is typically used for a period of 12 or more weeks. Following the doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and frequency of usage is vital.

Taking naltrexone while consuming alcohol will not make a person sick; the medication can be used by someone who still drinks small amounts of alcohol. It is not recommended for those who are still heavy drinkers or for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It is best for individuals who are beginning to wean themselves off of alcohol and are combining the drug with other forms of therapy. 

Naltrexone is not a cure but a component of a support and counseling program.  Alcoholics may never truly free themselves of their strong desire to drink, so it is important to remember that naltrexone is not a one-step miracle drug.

 Prior to staring treatment, the following precautions must be discussed with the doctor:

 Although naltrexone can be helpful in the long-term treatment of alcoholism, it may come with short-term side effects. The most common is nausea. Any other symptoms that persist should be discussed with the doctor. These may include:

Treatment for alcohol does not focus on medications alone. It also includes psychosocial treatment such as Alcoholics Anonymous, individual or family counseling, learning to avoiding troublesome situations, people, or places, and discovering how to make healthier life choices.

Like many other diseases, alcoholism affects both the mind and body, so treatment is needed to help someone change and cope with life’s problems without resorting to drinking. Alcoholism can be disastrous, not only to the suffering individual, but also to those close to them. Drug treatment with naltrexone can help someone start off a better life, but they need to be familiar with the rules of taking it, possible side effects, and the need for a diverse treatment plan.