Medication used to help stop drinking

Acamprosate

Acamprosate - or Campral - is a drug which reduces cravings for alcohol after detoxification.

It works on neurotransmitters in your brain that are involved with addiction and cravings.

It is safe to take with alcohol - unlike Antabuse.

It doesn't affect your state of consciousness (ie doesnt make you drowsy, or make you feel different).

It should always be combined with some psychological or social treatments - like relapse prevention counselling.

Various studies have shown that amongst alcohol dependent individuals, those taking Acamprosate versus those taking a placebo fare as follows:

  • Rates of continuous abstinence at 6 months: 36% v 23%
  • More likely to be abstinent at the end of treatment: 35% v 19%
  • Are less likely to relapse: 45% v 25%

According to studies like these, you're dramatically increasing your chances of success.

In practice, I've noticed that some people say it works really well for them; others don't notice any difference.

It's certainly worth trying to see if it makes things easier for you.

Whilst I am happy to issue private prescriptions for Acamprosate for people who see me regularly (at least monthly), the latest NICE guidelines require baseline urea, electrolytes and liver function tests before prescribing, which I am unable to perform. You would, therefore, need to see your GP for these tests. Please note that the chemist will charge you for the cost of the drug and a small dispensing fee.

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Antabuse

Disulfiram - or Antabuse - is a drug which makes you ill if you drink alcohol

It prevents alcohol being properly metabolised, so that you get an unpleasant reaction if you drink.

Indeed, you need to avoid anything with alcohol when taking it - like mouthwash, perfume or aftershave.

Make no mistake, you can be very ill indeed if you drink on Antabuse.

It can help to fix your motivation. If you take it every morning, you're making a real commitment and preserve your motivation for the rest of the day.

Some people take it in front of their partner. Other people just take it when they know theyíll be at extra risk - when going to a wedding or a party, for example.

People also report that when they know they haven't got the choice of drinking, then it makes their cravings reduce dramatically.

Whilst I am happy to issue private prescriptions for Disulfiram for people who see me regularly (at least monthly), the latest NICE guidelines require baseline urea, electrolytes and liver function tests before prescribing, which I am unable to perform. You would, therefore, need to see your GP for these tests. Please note that the chemist will charge you for the cost of the drug and a small dispensing fee.