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Suggest Medication To Reduce Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Posted on Fri, 5 Aug 2016

Question: I am an alcoholic that up until 2 years ago had 9 years of sobriety. I was in AA during most of this time. In trying to get sober again (out of detox yesterday), I started researching to see if there were alternatives to AA that might be more effective, given AA was established 80 years ago and much has been learned since. Also the statistics I found say success rates are around 5%. What clinically proven methods are out there? I'm especially interested in the XXXXXXX method that is used overseas which claims an 80% success rate

thanks for you attention to my question.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

The XXXXXXX method can be useful for some people, though more studies need to be done to replicate his findings of efficacy. It uses naltrexone taken before drinking which over time allegedly reduces interest in drinking. Naltrexone is widely used as a pharmacologic way to reduce drinking days. It is the most effective medication we have other than Antabuse. Observed ingestion of Antabuse where you are observed taking Antabuse daily by a loved one is actually the best method for alcohol abstinence. AA has much higher success rates than 5%, typically around 80% in dedicated patients. If you are serious, a combination of Antabuse, AA, and use of naltrexone either daily or the XXXXXXX method (only taken before drinking) is your best bet.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (13 minutes later)

Thank you so much. This was very helpful.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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. Yogesh D