Is there any step down medication for alcohol abuse? I know Antabuse is cold turkey however, I feel if I could take a pill that I knew I couldnt drink for 3 days that would be better. I would not drink for the 3 days and then indulge...then take another pill and bam I just went a week and only consumed alcohol once, which would be a HUGE step for me. I believe the forced sobriety of such a medication with a much smaller half life than Antabuse would be truly a step down program. Does this exist?
The step down medications are all addictive controlled substances with overlapping effects of alcohol. They are generally given to combat the potentially serious/even fatal effects of alcohol withdrawal.
And... for the reinforcement of good behavior there are three medications, none are controlled/dangerous/addictive/expensive. Antabuse is for cold turkey and it is short term. Naloxone and / or Campral don't give complications from drinking like antabuse, they damp down the feelings of euphoria (naloxone) and cravings (campral) associated with alcohol. None of them has quite as good a track record as AA. They don't prevent you frrom drinking like antabuse. They are close to once a day drugs that wear off in 1-2 days.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
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.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Suggest Treatment For Alcohol Abuse
The step down medications are all addictive controlled substances with overlapping effects of alcohol. They are generally given to combat the potentially serious/even fatal effects of alcohol withdrawal. And... for the reinforcement of good behavior there are three medications, none are controlled/dangerous/addictive/expensive. Antabuse is for cold turkey and it is short term. Naloxone and / or Campral don t give complications from drinking like antabuse, they damp down the feelings of euphoria (naloxone) and cravings (campral) associated with alcohol. None of them has quite as good a track record as AA. They don t prevent you frrom drinking like antabuse. They are close to once a day drugs that wear off in 1-2 days.