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Clearly, alcoholism is one of the leading problems in the United States. It is often the cause of accidental deaths, domestic violence, crime, and many other anti-social situations. For years, doctors have studied the human brain and behavior patterns to determine how to stop alcoholism and prevent relapses. Initially, alcohol treatment consisted of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Alcoholics would attend group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous to talk about their experiences and learn how to avoid relapses. They would also go to private sessions with a therapist to discuss the mental and emotional impact that alcohol had on their lives. These traditional types of therapy worked to some extent, but neuroscientists have figured out how to treat alcoholism with a pill.
Do not be alarmed. The United States is the most medicated country in the world. Nearly half of the American population takes at least one prescription medication. Alcoholism is now on the list of ailments and illnesses that is treatable with medication. Behavioral therapy has a high relapse rate. No matter how hard alcoholics try to change their behavior, sometimes that is not enough. Neuroscientists discovered that alcohol consumption modifies the brain in a way that creates undeniable cravings in those with severe alcohol dependence. Therefore, the problem is not the individual’s relapsing behavior; it is the altered, chemical composition of his brain. Physicians prescribe medicines to interfere with the way the brain perceives the effects of alcohol and withdrawal. Doctors feel that this revolutionizes alcohol treatment in a major way.
Antabuse is a very common medication used for alcohol treatment. This medicine causes the alcoholic to suffer adverse reactions from drinking liquor. He will experience severe nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms. This prescription drug is somewhat effective, but not nearly effective enough. It does not curb alcohol cravings. It only causes one to become sick if he consumes alcohol. Since the craving is still there, he may be tempted to stop taking the medication.
Naltrexone is the only FDA-approved, prescription medication that curbs alcohol cravings. It has a high success rate when used by those who have already begun behavioral alcohol treatment or stopped drinking entirely. It prevents the cravings from coming back once a person stops drinking. This is a great method of preventing relapse among alcoholics. The human brain changes incredibly with intense drinking. Cravings may suddenly attack months or years of sobriety. Acamprosite is a similar drug, but it is only available in European countries.
The newest alcohol treatment drug on the market is topiramate or Topomax. The drug itself is not new. Only its use is new. It was previously an anti-seizure medication. However, scientists discovered that it also helps to prevent alcoholic cravings. In addition to this, Topomax regulates moods. This is important, because abrupt mood swings is a common cause for drinking. So far, this medication has surpassed its predecessors. It is the only medication to prevent cravings in current alcoholics. This means that the alcoholic can get a degree of help without making a huge effort to stop drinking. Someone forced to seek treatment will get the benefits of less alcohol craving even though he does not actively seek out any other alcohol treatment. Topomax significantly reduces drinking rates, increases abstinence, and prevents relapse.
Alcohol treatment advances more as the days go by. One day there might truly be a cure for alcoholism. In the meantime, scientists will continue to do research and find even better methods of alcohol treatment.
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