Question about drugs that help with cravings
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Question about drugs that help with cravings
I've read through a ton of material on this board in this last week. One that is interesting to me is the different drugs available to help with cravings. Looks like there are several- some more punitive in that they make you violently ill if you drink, but I'm more interested in some of the others that some are reporting that take the cravings away. A few people refer to "miracle drug" that "I don't even think about drinking".
It seems like there are a lot of people struggling terribly with cravings, slipping up, etc. Why are there not more folks talking about trying some of these drugs to help? I'm talking about the post- detox drugs.
A second question, as I'm on my third day, I am doing well but seriously considering trying to get one of these drugs just to hopefully put any craving behind me- a perfect world for me would be to not have to think about drinking or it at least not be front and center. But my regular doctor is part of a group owned by the company I work for and I don't feel comfortable revealing that I want a drug to help with alcohol dependency. Is there somewhere someone can go and discreetly get a prescription for something like this?
It seems like there are a lot of people struggling terribly with cravings, slipping up, etc. Why are there not more folks talking about trying some of these drugs to help? I'm talking about the post- detox drugs.
A second question, as I'm on my third day, I am doing well but seriously considering trying to get one of these drugs just to hopefully put any craving behind me- a perfect world for me would be to not have to think about drinking or it at least not be front and center. But my regular doctor is part of a group owned by the company I work for and I don't feel comfortable revealing that I want a drug to help with alcohol dependency. Is there somewhere someone can go and discreetly get a prescription for something like this?
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Hello Kids,
Rather than asking your doc for drugs, you might try discussing options with him/her - i.e. perhaps say something like "I've heard that there are some medications that can help with cravings. Do you think that would be worth a try or are there other things I can do?"
I'm not a doctor. I do use a medication to help manage cravings. I don't think it is a cure-all and it doesn't work for everyone. I went through an intensive outpatient program which helped me learn about ways to deal with cravings. I also had individual therapy and attended regular AA meetings. It was only when I very briefly slipped during an extremely stressful time after 8-9 months sober that my doc and I decided on meds. I only use them rarely and am nearly off them.
Rather than asking your doc for drugs, you might try discussing options with him/her - i.e. perhaps say something like "I've heard that there are some medications that can help with cravings. Do you think that would be worth a try or are there other things I can do?"
I'm not a doctor. I do use a medication to help manage cravings. I don't think it is a cure-all and it doesn't work for everyone. I went through an intensive outpatient program which helped me learn about ways to deal with cravings. I also had individual therapy and attended regular AA meetings. It was only when I very briefly slipped during an extremely stressful time after 8-9 months sober that my doc and I decided on meds. I only use them rarely and am nearly off them.
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In my opinion there is no drug that is a substitute for a solid recovery program. They can certainly be a supplement, or an aid during the early times, but sooner or later you need to be able to deal with the "cravings/urges/etc" yourself. You will need to work with a doctor to be prescribed any drug anyway, so your best bet is to approach it holistically. Tell your doctor or counselor your entire plan - and they can help you decide if a anti-craving drug is a good fit or not.
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Originally Posted by ScottFromWI 
In my opinion there is no drug that is a substitute for a solid recovery program. They can certainly be a supplement, or an aid during the early times, but sooner or later you need to be able to deal with the "cravings/urges/etc" yourself. You will need to work with a doctor to be prescribed any drug anyway, so your best bet is to approach it holistically. Tell your doctor or counselor your entire plan - and they can help you decide if a anti-craving drug is a good fit or not.
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Join Date: Oct 2011
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Having a magic pill for every one if life's little problems, and I am quit the addict chemist, is what kept me sick and unhappy for years. Meetings, working the steps and focusing on treating the alcoholism that causes one to drink will eliminate the cravings if one has surrendered.
Lol, I treated alcoholism for years with pain killers. Completely removed my desire to drink and could still function at a very high level. Every 3 years, I would go to detox, stay clean for a bit, reset the receptors and start all over again when tolerance was gone.
If intent on going down this road, use one that is punitive like antibuse. Otherwise, you are just in half measure land and half measures will get you no where.
Lol, I treated alcoholism for years with pain killers. Completely removed my desire to drink and could still function at a very high level. Every 3 years, I would go to detox, stay clean for a bit, reset the receptors and start all over again when tolerance was gone.
If intent on going down this road, use one that is punitive like antibuse. Otherwise, you are just in half measure land and half measures will get you no where.
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When dealing with addiction and meds, please talk to your doc. I don't think they are always a bad thing. My addiction is complicated by severe PTSD and it has been extraordinarily difficult this time for me to become and remain sober (since gastric bypass). Often people who have successfully stopped believe that all we need to do is make up our minds not to drink. It's not that simple for everyone. IMHO, everyone can be sober not only with hard work but with the right knowledge, tools and treatment.
Don't expect miracles after not drinking for 10 weeks. That is certainly 10 weeks that your body hasn't had to compensate for pouring in poison. Each of us has a different physiology. For some, it can take much longer than others to improve. Your attitude will make a huge difference in the long run. I have cirrhosis and it's no picnic. Although it is significantly better now, the liver specialist sends me for ultrasounds and tumor marker blood tests twice yearly since I am now at a much higher risk of liver cancer. The sooner we become sober, the better the outlook.
Don't expect miracles after not drinking for 10 weeks. That is certainly 10 weeks that your body hasn't had to compensate for pouring in poison. Each of us has a different physiology. For some, it can take much longer than others to improve. Your attitude will make a huge difference in the long run. I have cirrhosis and it's no picnic. Although it is significantly better now, the liver specialist sends me for ultrasounds and tumor marker blood tests twice yearly since I am now at a much higher risk of liver cancer. The sooner we become sober, the better the outlook.
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Originally Posted by Roxyblues
Having a magic pill for every one if life's little problems, and I am quit the addict chemist, is what kept me sick and unhappy for years. Meetings, working the steps and focusing on treating the alcoholism that causes one to drink will eliminate the cravings if one has surrendered.
Lol, I treated alcoholism for years with pain killers. Completely removed my desire to drink and could still function at a very high level. Every 3 years, I would go to detox, stay clean for a bit, reset the receptors and start all over again when tolerance was gone.
If intent on going down this road, use one that is punitive like antibuse. Otherwise, you are just in half measure land and half measures will get you no where.
Lol, I treated alcoholism for years with pain killers. Completely removed my desire to drink and could still function at a very high level. Every 3 years, I would go to detox, stay clean for a bit, reset the receptors and start all over again when tolerance was gone.
If intent on going down this road, use one that is punitive like antibuse. Otherwise, you are just in half measure land and half measures will get you no where.
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Join Date: May 2012
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Originally Posted by KidsEverywhere
but I guess I was just looking for something easy.
As addicts we are doubly tempted by "miracle" cures....because we seek instant gratification. We drank/drugged for the instant effect...and we want that in life too, but that's not the way things work unfortunately.
It sounds like you have some very good plans laid out, stick to them and you will eventually gain what you seek. And the cravings DO go get much less intense and fewer and farther between. I can honestly say that i really never think about drinking any more - in the sense that I feel an urge to go out and drink. Sure I think about drinking as I do daily work on staying sober, but as far as intense "cravings" where I physically want to drink alcohol, those have been gone from my life for a long time.
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Join Date: Jan 2007
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Hi Kids,
I have been taking Naltrexone to quell my cravings for about 4 months now. I have had no side effects and the Med is cheap w/insurance. I believe it has helped me a great deal, along with my support groups which are AA & SMART. The drug isn't going to work unless you also use some from of support along with it. Just another tool to put in your tool box! Best Wishes
I have been taking Naltrexone to quell my cravings for about 4 months now. I have had no side effects and the Med is cheap w/insurance. I believe it has helped me a great deal, along with my support groups which are AA & SMART. The drug isn't going to work unless you also use some from of support along with it. Just another tool to put in your tool box! Best Wishes
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Join Date: Jul 2014
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Most will agree that the fight to get and stay sober is a fight for your life. With that in mind I say grab on to anything that helps you, the more resources, the better.
The word "crutch" as a figure of speech generally comes with negative connotations. But if we look at the real definition of crutch it is quite the opposite of negative. It is a device used to assist people who are unable or would have extreme difficulty walking on their own without something to support their weight. What a gift! What a wonderful thing that there is help out there for people who have sprained tendons or broken bones!
A medication to help with cravings is a wonderful, helpful, positive crutch for alcoholics in dire straits. It can help you get going forward in the right direction.
Just as someone with a broken leg or sprained ankle would likely include other healing strategies to maximize recovery, alcoholics have a higher rate of success if they utilize other recovery strategies in combination with the medication.
I am by no means homeopathic/anti-medication, but I do generally try to avoid medications if at all possible. I only take an ibuprofen for a headache if it is massively invasive for example. I prefer teas and honey and tea tree oil for coughs and colds rather than syrups. But when it comes to getting sober I am absolutely willing to try anything on the market that might give me a better chance at success. I do not feel this is anything to be ashamed of, nor do I feel "less than" in my recovery for having utilized medication. It sometimes reminds me of the ol' natural birth vs. c-section debate new mother like to have- who is more of a woman?? Does it matter, really? Of course not. What matters is the baby is healthy.
When it comes to medication vs. no medication in getting and staying sober, the same logic applies. It doesn't matter. What matters is the outcome.
I say speak to your doctor, do some research and then make your own decision as to whether or not you want to take medication daily to help with cravings. You are no better or less than anyone else whatever you decide. I think it is fantastic that the majority of folks get sober without the help of medication. I think it is fantastic that a lot of people get sober through sheer will and online support. I also think it is fantastic that people get sober with the help of in patient rehab, AA, medication, what have you. What matters is that we get, and stay sober.
Personally I have tried antabuse and Campral. Antabuse did nothing for cravings, it simply made it impossible to drink. I still had to fight cravings. I did not care for it as it made me incredibly drowsy. I could barely get out of bed.
Campral has been amazing. It is not a magic pill. Cravings still come. I have even acted on some of those cravings and drank while on the medication. But it is a hefty boost to my arsenal and I don't have the nearly 24/7 endless obsession with alcohol that I did before. A thought might pass to drink during a moment of stress, or I might feel my stomach tense up as I pass the wine in the grocery store, but it is manageable if I choose to manage it. I know that without my own work, very hard, diligent work, the medication would not work. As it stands now I AM doing that work and the medication is serving as a nice base for my recovery.
I take 2 333mg pills 3 times a day- so six pills a day. I started with 4 a day but was right on the baseline in terms of the weight limits (the dosage is very carefully prescribed based on your weight). I wasn't getting a huge help with 4 pills and was ready to quit it but at the advice of my doctor at the rehab center I tried 6 pills and it has been a great help to me.
Best of luck whatever you decide. The most important thing I want you to take away from my post is that this is not a contest. This is not the tour de France with anti-doping rules. ANY way that you get sober is admirable.
The word "crutch" as a figure of speech generally comes with negative connotations. But if we look at the real definition of crutch it is quite the opposite of negative. It is a device used to assist people who are unable or would have extreme difficulty walking on their own without something to support their weight. What a gift! What a wonderful thing that there is help out there for people who have sprained tendons or broken bones!
A medication to help with cravings is a wonderful, helpful, positive crutch for alcoholics in dire straits. It can help you get going forward in the right direction.
Just as someone with a broken leg or sprained ankle would likely include other healing strategies to maximize recovery, alcoholics have a higher rate of success if they utilize other recovery strategies in combination with the medication.
I am by no means homeopathic/anti-medication, but I do generally try to avoid medications if at all possible. I only take an ibuprofen for a headache if it is massively invasive for example. I prefer teas and honey and tea tree oil for coughs and colds rather than syrups. But when it comes to getting sober I am absolutely willing to try anything on the market that might give me a better chance at success. I do not feel this is anything to be ashamed of, nor do I feel "less than" in my recovery for having utilized medication. It sometimes reminds me of the ol' natural birth vs. c-section debate new mother like to have- who is more of a woman?? Does it matter, really? Of course not. What matters is the baby is healthy.
When it comes to medication vs. no medication in getting and staying sober, the same logic applies. It doesn't matter. What matters is the outcome.
I say speak to your doctor, do some research and then make your own decision as to whether or not you want to take medication daily to help with cravings. You are no better or less than anyone else whatever you decide. I think it is fantastic that the majority of folks get sober without the help of medication. I think it is fantastic that a lot of people get sober through sheer will and online support. I also think it is fantastic that people get sober with the help of in patient rehab, AA, medication, what have you. What matters is that we get, and stay sober.
Personally I have tried antabuse and Campral. Antabuse did nothing for cravings, it simply made it impossible to drink. I still had to fight cravings. I did not care for it as it made me incredibly drowsy. I could barely get out of bed.
Campral has been amazing. It is not a magic pill. Cravings still come. I have even acted on some of those cravings and drank while on the medication. But it is a hefty boost to my arsenal and I don't have the nearly 24/7 endless obsession with alcohol that I did before. A thought might pass to drink during a moment of stress, or I might feel my stomach tense up as I pass the wine in the grocery store, but it is manageable if I choose to manage it. I know that without my own work, very hard, diligent work, the medication would not work. As it stands now I AM doing that work and the medication is serving as a nice base for my recovery.
I take 2 333mg pills 3 times a day- so six pills a day. I started with 4 a day but was right on the baseline in terms of the weight limits (the dosage is very carefully prescribed based on your weight). I wasn't getting a huge help with 4 pills and was ready to quit it but at the advice of my doctor at the rehab center I tried 6 pills and it has been a great help to me.
Best of luck whatever you decide. The most important thing I want you to take away from my post is that this is not a contest. This is not the tour de France with anti-doping rules. ANY way that you get sober is admirable.
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Originally Posted by ScottFromWI
Unfortunately there is no "easy" button, pill, or magic wand when it comes to sobriety. It's really no different than anything in life...good things are generally the result of hard work on our parts.
As addicts we are doubly tempted by "miracle" cures....because we seek instant gratification. We drank/drugged for the instant effect...and we want that in life too, but that's not the way things work unfortunately.
It sounds like you have some very good plans laid out, stick to them and you will eventually gain what you seek. And the cravings DO go get much less intense and fewer and farther between. I can honestly say that i really never think about drinking any more - in the sense that I feel an urge to go out and drink. Sure I think about drinking as I do daily work on staying sober, but as far as intense "cravings" where I physically want to drink alcohol, those have been gone from my life for a long time.
As addicts we are doubly tempted by "miracle" cures....because we seek instant gratification. We drank/drugged for the instant effect...and we want that in life too, but that's not the way things work unfortunately.
It sounds like you have some very good plans laid out, stick to them and you will eventually gain what you seek. And the cravings DO go get much less intense and fewer and farther between. I can honestly say that i really never think about drinking any more - in the sense that I feel an urge to go out and drink. Sure I think about drinking as I do daily work on staying sober, but as far as intense "cravings" where I physically want to drink alcohol, those have been gone from my life for a long time.
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Join Date: May 2012
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I completely agree with Mera's post. Personally, I doubt it would work well to rely only on meds and if you can get and stay sober without them, then that's great. The strength of addiction does vary quite a bit from one person to another and even for one person over time.
I also agree that there is no magic pill to stay sober. It is hard work!
Cookie-cutter recovery strategies don't work for all. A solid recovery program, with or without meds as one component, is what is needed. I take naltrexone but now only occasionally. It has been the final puzzle piece for me. In previous years, I was able to stop drinking easily and quickly. This last time has been incredibly tough.
I hope we can all be tolerant about the different strategies to get to lasting sobriety.
I also agree that there is no magic pill to stay sober. It is hard work!
Cookie-cutter recovery strategies don't work for all. A solid recovery program, with or without meds as one component, is what is needed. I take naltrexone but now only occasionally. It has been the final puzzle piece for me. In previous years, I was able to stop drinking easily and quickly. This last time has been incredibly tough.
I hope we can all be tolerant about the different strategies to get to lasting sobriety.
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Midwest
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I would like to thank those who shared their experience (2) rather than opinion (many). This seems to be a touchy topic on this site. Seems the OP is interested in adding a tool to their toolbox. I too would like to hear more of actual experience from those who have tried these newer meds in addition to their other strategies for staying sober. My experience with 12 step has been negative on many levels but I'm not gonna just say it doesn't work. It does seem to work for some. I still have a sponsor and go to meetings but here I am detoxing. Saw a 25 and 27 yr member go out and stay out in this past year. Breaks my dang heart. More is better when it comes to tools IMHE. Oh, and Mera? Your post was very helpful to me...thanks.
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: UK
Posts: 927
Hi there,
Well I'm happy to add my story if it helps.
25 years of heavy drinking except for 2 pregnancies.
Last year had gastric bypass, lost 9 stone.
Great, but since then got very drunk, very quickly and was blacking out on a regular basis at home.
Now 37 days sober.
Did home and dry detox at home with tapering librium for 7 days, just made me feel calm.
Then went onto campral, prescribed by UK Dr alongside alcohol 1 to 1 counselling and a brief intervention course. Am allowed to take 6 per day, end up only taking 2 as I'm not thinking about drinking much. Saying that, look back at my post earlier in the week about a week away and I feel I got through that on shaky ground!
Am using AA online, podcasts, reading books, attending alcohol course, reading on here many times a day, posting on here, telling people about my problem, so taking campral is just a small part of a big picture. It gave me confidence that it might work though, that's the difference.
I felt like I was finally being given a torch to make my way out of a very deep and dark cave I'd been lost in for a long time...
Well I'm happy to add my story if it helps.
25 years of heavy drinking except for 2 pregnancies.
Last year had gastric bypass, lost 9 stone.
Great, but since then got very drunk, very quickly and was blacking out on a regular basis at home.
Now 37 days sober.
Did home and dry detox at home with tapering librium for 7 days, just made me feel calm.
Then went onto campral, prescribed by UK Dr alongside alcohol 1 to 1 counselling and a brief intervention course. Am allowed to take 6 per day, end up only taking 2 as I'm not thinking about drinking much. Saying that, look back at my post earlier in the week about a week away and I feel I got through that on shaky ground!
Am using AA online, podcasts, reading books, attending alcohol course, reading on here many times a day, posting on here, telling people about my problem, so taking campral is just a small part of a big picture. It gave me confidence that it might work though, that's the difference.
I felt like I was finally being given a torch to make my way out of a very deep and dark cave I'd been lost in for a long time...
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: US East Coast
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Yes, Foreverfuzzy, I also had gastric bypass (RNY) and it was after that I had so darned much trouble staying sober. One drink would hit my bloodstream and brain almost instantaneously, apparently because of shorter small intestine. This is now becoming the subject of medical studies and journal papers. Those who have gastric bypass are about twice as likely to have alcohol addiction compared to those who didn't and it is believed to be significantly more addicting. It doesn't mean we can't stay sober - we can - but it seems to generally take much more effort.
The docs are definitely not all up on this development. My pdoc and I had a major discussion on the issue. Many of them still think it is the previously believed "transfer of addiction" but it is now believed to be more complex than that.
The docs are definitely not all up on this development. My pdoc and I had a major discussion on the issue. Many of them still think it is the previously believed "transfer of addiction" but it is now believed to be more complex than that.
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest
Posts: 274
There are a number the most popular are disulfiram, acamprosate, naloxone, naltrexone, and baclofen. Discuss them with yur doctor. I have used baclofen with some success and know of the others through my science studies. They can be helpful for some people, particularly to get you through early sobriety.
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 174
Naltrexone.
For me, it was pretty remarkable. Drastically cut cravings and reduced the obsession to drink. If it's available to you and you don't have any side effects I think it is definitely worth exploring. Personally, I think people derided any form of medically prescribed medication to help with this disease are either not familiar with the advancement on this front or quite literally doing a disservice to people asking about it.
With that said, one needs to actually take this medication for it to work. And in order to stay on that path I do think being involved in some sort of recovery program or community is key. This is an extremely complex problem, and I think it deserves all tools we have available to us to combat it.
For me, it was pretty remarkable. Drastically cut cravings and reduced the obsession to drink. If it's available to you and you don't have any side effects I think it is definitely worth exploring. Personally, I think people derided any form of medically prescribed medication to help with this disease are either not familiar with the advancement on this front or quite literally doing a disservice to people asking about it.
With that said, one needs to actually take this medication for it to work. And in order to stay on that path I do think being involved in some sort of recovery program or community is key. This is an extremely complex problem, and I think it deserves all tools we have available to us to combat it.
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