How To Help An Alcoholic Give Up Drinking?

Posted on Mon, 30 Nov 2015

Question: Hi doctor.
I need advice regarding my husband who drinks a lot. Once he is drunk he is very violent. He refuses to take steps to stop the habit. Please guide me and tell me if there are ways to make him stop by giving him medicines to stop addiction without his knowledge.
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
without his knowledge it is risky and life threatening

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I must inform you that there are people who claim of treatment without knowledge of patient but such treatments are life threatening. In addition they are for short term relief rather than permanent change.

Tp remove the substance active cooperation of patient is required.

You need to take him to doctor /psychiatrist at least once to get him motivated. Once that is fone he can be counseled to take appropriate action.

I hope this assists you.
If you have more questions feel free to contact me back.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (14 minutes later)

Hi doctor. I have tried everything but nothing seems to work. He goes back to same habit. His father had taken treatment. Disulfide something he takes. Similarly is there any milder medicine which wil make him feel terrible when he takes a sip? He is a sailor. And he is home only for 2 months with family. Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Disulfiram without medical supervision is dangerous

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Disulfiram is a medication which works as a deterrent but if patient takes more alcohol it makes things more complicated.

In can be given to someone who have motivation to quit alcohol but fails to do so.

As I said lack of motivation is common among alcohol dependents and that can be taken care by experts. You need to make some efforts to see a expert. In case he gets proper motivation disulfirma can be given to him. If you happen to be from XXXXXXX I will be happy to assist you personally.

Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Hi doctor. I am from XXXXXXX He will not cooperate for quitting.. I am trying to meet an expert. Trying to do this without his knowledge. As he wil not cooperate. If there are any other options. Pls tell me. So I can talk to expert about it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I do not think so but...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for following me.

If he is not coming out there are legal provisions to get him admitted through magistrate.

I do not think any medicine/treatment will be useful without his knowledge. In regard to medication naltrexone is one which lowers craving for alcohol. There are Benzodiazepines that work like alcohol and helps in smooth transition from addiction.
In addition acamprosate is another medicine while lowers craving.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Hi doctor. Thanks so much for your advices. Can u explain about what you have said about doing this legally?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is act for mentally ill patients

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back.

People with psychiatric illness can be given forceful treatment when they become danger to self or others. This is governed by the mental health act 1987.
Such patients can be admitted against their will by magistrate order.

I hope this clarifies.
Thanks and regards

Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar