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Suggest Treatment For Alcohol Dependence
Question: Ian an alcoholic and have experienced blackouts for the last few years. I am desperate to stop drinking... and have tried rehab and AA.
I am wondering if a psychiatrist could help?
I am wondering if a psychiatrist could help?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
There are several options for the treatment of alcoholism. I would say that even though you have tried these before, the best and most reliable treatments consist of inpatient rehab followed by strict adherence to AA, and really following through with this.
The best medication is Antabuse, adminstered daily witnessed by a loved one such as a husband to ensure compliance. There are a few medications that can be of secondary help. Naltrexone is one, which can decrease heavy drinking days. Another is Campral, which decreases cravings. A psychiatrist could help evaluate you for use of these medications.
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 web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
There are several options for the treatment of alcoholism. I would say that even though you have tried these before, the best and most reliable treatments consist of inpatient rehab followed by strict adherence to AA, and really following through with this.
The best medication is Antabuse, adminstered daily witnessed by a loved one such as a husband to ensure compliance. There are a few medications that can be of secondary help. Naltrexone is one, which can decrease heavy drinking days. Another is Campral, which decreases cravings. A psychiatrist could help evaluate you for use of these medications.
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 web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your response! I am now in a bible study (just started) called breaking free.
Are you able to be my psychiatrist and prescribe the anti drinking medications that you mentioned?
I had a bad experience at AA so I am wanting to take a different road at healing my addiction. I have been told that psychiatry can help find the real issues and also prescribe medications to help. I take celexa but wonder if I may be bipolar? I get really depressed sometimes and yet other times I'm extremely happy.... any info you could provide to help would be appreciated!!
Are you able to be my psychiatrist and prescribe the anti drinking medications that you mentioned?
I had a bad experience at AA so I am wanting to take a different road at healing my addiction. I have been told that psychiatry can help find the real issues and also prescribe medications to help. I take celexa but wonder if I may be bipolar? I get really depressed sometimes and yet other times I'm extremely happy.... any info you could provide to help would be appreciated!!
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Current law does not allow prescribing without an in-person consultation. I recommend reaching out to a psychiatrist in your area.
It is not possible to diagnose a mood disorder such as major depression or bipolar disorder during active drinking, because alcohol can cause symptoms mimicking depressed and manic symptoms. You first need to attain abstinence before a mood disorder can be considered.
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 web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Current law does not allow prescribing without an in-person consultation. I recommend reaching out to a psychiatrist in your area.
It is not possible to diagnose a mood disorder such as major depression or bipolar disorder during active drinking, because alcohol can cause symptoms mimicking depressed and manic symptoms. You first need to attain abstinence before a mood disorder can be considered.
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 web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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