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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Which Over The Counter Medicines Will Help In Getting Over Alcohol Addiction?

Hi, My husband seems like an alcohol addict. he never accepts that he drinks alcohol, so i couldn t get him for counselling / consultation. I read blogs and ask pharmacueticals about drugs that cure alcoholism . They said disufiram works better. but i couldn t get it without prescription. Is there any other medicine which i can provide him (without his knowledge) for his alcohol withdrawal? I tried librium but its completely bitter in taste and couldn t provide him. Please help me with this problem.
Mon, 1 Jul 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

Denial is common in people with alcohol related problems and it is often difficult to make them acknowledge that there is a problem. You mention having tried librium, but please remember librium is of benefit only when one has quit alcohol and is having withdrawal symptoms, which librium improves. It has no role in a person actively drinking. Disulfiram works differently. When people on disulfiram take alcohol, they are likely to suffer from reactions like nausea, vomiting, flushing, raised heart beat etc, and in some cases, reaction may be severe enough to need hospitalization and intensive care. That is why, disulfiram should not be given surreptitiously. There are other medications which do not have the risk of such adverse effects, but they are not available over the counter.

Since your husband is unwilling to listen to you regarding this, try involving other members of the family/friends whom he respects. It is possible he may listen to them and agree to consult a doctor.

Hope to have been of some help. Best wishes.
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Which Over The Counter Medicines Will Help In Getting Over Alcohol Addiction?

Hi, Denial is common in people with alcohol related problems and it is often difficult to make them acknowledge that there is a problem. You mention having tried librium, but please remember librium is of benefit only when one has quit alcohol and is having withdrawal symptoms, which librium improves. It has no role in a person actively drinking. Disulfiram works differently. When people on disulfiram take alcohol, they are likely to suffer from reactions like nausea, vomiting, flushing, raised heart beat etc, and in some cases, reaction may be severe enough to need hospitalization and intensive care. That is why, disulfiram should not be given surreptitiously. There are other medications which do not have the risk of such adverse effects, but they are not available over the counter. Since your husband is unwilling to listen to you regarding this, try involving other members of the family/friends whom he respects. It is possible he may listen to them and agree to consult a doctor. Hope to have been of some help. Best wishes.