Most people in the United States admit to drinking at least occasionally and almost 49% drink each month.[1] Alcohol use is widely accepted, and alcohol is available in many social settings.

Because alcohol use is so prevalent throughout most of the country, it can sometimes be challenging to identify unhealthy drinking patterns or alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse and addiction are complex conditions requiring timely, comprehensive treatment. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) must seek professional treatment and ongoing support to safely detox from alcohol and learn to avoid relapse.

This article will explore medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal.

What you will learn:

  • Common alcohol withdrawal medications
  • The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
  • What treatment to expect at each stage of alcohol withdrawal
  • Where to find AUD treatment and support

Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to explore our comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment programs. You may contact us with questions, for help verifying your insurance, or to schedule an intake assessment.

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal

When you drink alcohol, it reaches the bloodstream quickly. Alcohol decreases central nervous system (CNS) activity. This can lead to side effects, including:[2]

  • Loss of coordination
  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Euphoria
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Depressed breathing

When you drink, your body increases CNS activity to counteract alcohol’s sedating effects. When you develop alcohol dependence, your body remains in a heightened state of CNS activity. If you suddenly stop drinking, your CNS remains in an elevated state.

When people with alcohol dependency stop drinking, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome includes:[3]

  • Excessive sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation

Some people develop more severe symptoms, including seizures, confusion, and hallucinations. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of severe complications during alcohol withdrawal.

What Medications Are Used During Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment?

There are several medications used during the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Here is an overview of prescription drugs that may be included in a medically-supported detox program.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication. Taking benzodiazepines during alcohol withdrawal may reduce the risk of seizures.[3,4] While these drugs are often used to treat anxiety, they can also help treat the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

Barbiturates

People who do not respond well to benzodiazepines may take barbiturates to manage withdrawal symptoms.[4] Medical practitioners may use barbiturates to manage severe withdrawal cases, most commonly in the emergency department or ICU.

Anticonvulsants

Doctors may prescribe anticonvulsants to reduce the risk of seizures. Common anticonvulsants include:[5]

  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Valproic acid (Depakene)
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Some people receive anticonvulsants instead of benzodiazepines, while others take both types of medications.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate is a medication believed to restore the balance between GABA and glutamate. These brain chemicals affect central nervous system (CNS) activity levels. Taking this medication may reduce the risk of relapse during detox.

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Disulfiram is a prescription drug that inhibits an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. People who take this drug experience extreme, unpleasant effects if they drink any amount of alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking Antabuse may result in:

  • Headache
  • Flushed skin
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Blurred vision

The effects occur within 10 minutes of drinking alcohol. People learn to associate drinking alcohol with these negative effects, which can support abstinence from alcohol.[6]

Naltrexone

The FDA approved Naltrexone for alcohol abuse treatment in 1994.[7] People taking this drug may experience fewer or less intense cravings for alcohol. A reduction in the urge to drink can mean a greater chance of staying sober. However, it is important to note that people must abstain from alcohol for 7-14 days before starting naltrexone. Rather than treating withdrawal symptoms, naltrexone is used to prevent a relapse.

Treating Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Medications are an essential tool that can help people detox safely and avoid relapse. Lasting recovery requires people to identify the roots of their substance abuse and learn new coping skills to prevent relapse.

The first stage of alcohol withdrawal usually occurs in an inpatient detox center. Before starting treatment, people undergo an evaluation to determine the right course of treatment. The assessment will identify potential risk factors, including medical conditions, that may complicate treatment.

During detox, people follow a tailored treatment program that may include:

  • Medications
  • Supervision and access to treatment 24 hours a day
  • Assessments and screenings
  • Medications
  • A safe, secure environment
  • Emotional support, including counseling and support groups, when appropriate

People typically begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within 12 to 24 hours of their last drink. Many experience mild symptoms at first.

Symptoms tend to worsen throughout the first three days after the last drink. People may have elevated heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

Medical professionals monitor patients carefully during detox. They watch for symptoms of delirium tremens, seizures, and other life-threatening complications. They provide effective care, including medications and mental health treatment.

Many people complete an inpatient detox program before transitioning into an outpatient setting.

Find Treatment Now

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or you struggle with alcohol abuse, you are not alone. A medically-supported detox program can help you overcome addiction and prevent relapse. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.

References:

  1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
  2. NIAAA: Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
  3. National Institute of Health: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management
  4. Wiley Online Library: Clinical management of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome
  5. National Institute of Health: Anticonvulsants for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Alcohol Use Disorders
  6. National Library of Medicine: Disulfiram
  7. NIAAA: Medications Development Program

Most people in the United States admit to drinking at least occasionally and almost 49% drink each month.[1] Alcohol use is widely accepted, and alcohol is available in many social settings.

Because alcohol use is so prevalent throughout most of the country, it can sometimes be challenging to identify unhealthy drinking patterns or alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse and addiction are complex conditions requiring timely, comprehensive treatment. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) must seek professional treatment and ongoing support to safely detox from alcohol and learn to avoid relapse.

This article will explore medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal.

What you will learn:

  • Common alcohol withdrawal medications
  • The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
  • What treatment to expect at each stage of alcohol withdrawal
  • Where to find AUD treatment and support

Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to explore our comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment programs. You may contact us with questions, for help verifying your insurance, or to schedule an intake assessment.

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal

When you drink alcohol, it reaches the bloodstream quickly. Alcohol decreases central nervous system (CNS) activity. This can lead to side effects, including:[2]

  • Loss of coordination
  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Euphoria
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Depressed breathing

When you drink, your body increases CNS activity to counteract alcohol’s sedating effects. When you develop alcohol dependence, your body remains in a heightened state of CNS activity. If you suddenly stop drinking, your CNS remains in an elevated state.

When people with alcohol dependency stop drinking, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome includes:[3]

  • Excessive sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation

Some people develop more severe symptoms, including seizures, confusion, and hallucinations. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of severe complications during alcohol withdrawal.

What Medications Are Used During Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment?

There are several medications used during the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Here is an overview of prescription drugs that may be included in a medically-supported detox program.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication. Taking benzodiazepines during alcohol withdrawal may reduce the risk of seizures.[3,4] While these drugs are often used to treat anxiety, they can also help treat the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

Barbiturates

People who do not respond well to benzodiazepines may take barbiturates to manage withdrawal symptoms.[4] Medical practitioners may use barbiturates to manage severe withdrawal cases, most commonly in the emergency department or ICU.

Anticonvulsants

Doctors may prescribe anticonvulsants to reduce the risk of seizures. Common anticonvulsants include:[5]

  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Valproic acid (Depakene)
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Some people receive anticonvulsants instead of benzodiazepines, while others take both types of medications.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate is a medication believed to restore the balance between GABA and glutamate. These brain chemicals affect central nervous system (CNS) activity levels. Taking this medication may reduce the risk of relapse during detox.

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Disulfiram is a prescription drug that inhibits an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. People who take this drug experience extreme, unpleasant effects if they drink any amount of alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking Antabuse may result in:

  • Headache
  • Flushed skin
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Blurred vision

The effects occur within 10 minutes of drinking alcohol. People learn to associate drinking alcohol with these negative effects, which can support abstinence from alcohol.[6]

Naltrexone

The FDA approved Naltrexone for alcohol abuse treatment in 1994.[7] People taking this drug may experience fewer or less intense cravings for alcohol. A reduction in the urge to drink can mean a greater chance of staying sober. However, it is important to note that people must abstain from alcohol for 7-14 days before starting naltrexone. Rather than treating withdrawal symptoms, naltrexone is used to prevent a relapse.

Treating Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Medications are an essential tool that can help people detox safely and avoid relapse. Lasting recovery requires people to identify the roots of their substance abuse and learn new coping skills to prevent relapse.

The first stage of alcohol withdrawal usually occurs in an inpatient detox center. Before starting treatment, people undergo an evaluation to determine the right course of treatment. The assessment will identify potential risk factors, including medical conditions, that may complicate treatment.

During detox, people follow a tailored treatment program that may include:

  • Medications
  • Supervision and access to treatment 24 hours a day
  • Assessments and screenings
  • Medications
  • A safe, secure environment
  • Emotional support, including counseling and support groups, when appropriate

People typically begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within 12 to 24 hours of their last drink. Many experience mild symptoms at first.

Symptoms tend to worsen throughout the first three days after the last drink. People may have elevated heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

Medical professionals monitor patients carefully during detox. They watch for symptoms of delirium tremens, seizures, and other life-threatening complications. They provide effective care, including medications and mental health treatment.

Many people complete an inpatient detox program before transitioning into an outpatient setting.

Find Treatment Now

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or you struggle with alcohol abuse, you are not alone. A medically-supported detox program can help you overcome addiction and prevent relapse. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.

References:

  1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
  2. NIAAA: Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
  3. National Institute of Health: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management
  4. Wiley Online Library: Clinical management of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome
  5. National Institute of Health: Anticonvulsants for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Alcohol Use Disorders
  6. National Library of Medicine: Disulfiram
  7. NIAAA: Medications Development Program

Medically Reviewed: July 10, 2024

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

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