Is There a Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol abuse is very rampant in the US. There are millions of people affected by alcohol use one way or the other. Looking into ways to treat alcohol problems can feel very intimidating. With therapies, detox, and other interventions, does a medication-assisted treatment for AUD exist? As we learn more about addiction, we're finding new ways to tackle it, and medication is one avenue. In this post, we are going to discuss what medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder is all about. We'll talk about how well it works, what kinds of meds are available, and what you should consider if you're considering it as part of your recovery journey. Let's get into it!

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT is a holistic treatment that includes medication administration alongside behavioral therapy. At this point, we are aware that a treatment that is personalized and addresses a patient’s physical as well as emotional needs is important for long-term recovery. MAT for alcohol is one of the treatments that allow individuals to heal in every way that addiction affects them. 

Medications Used for Alcohol Use Disorder

There are three main medications prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) that may be prescribed to you by your healthcare provider under MAT. 

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids. It works by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol and reducing cravings, making it easier for individuals to cut down or quit drinking altogether. Naltrexone can be taken orally in pill form or through a monthly injection, offering flexibility in treatment options. 

Research suggests that when combined with counseling or therapy, naltrexone can significantly increase the likelihood of successful recovery from alcohol addiction. This is why undergoing holistic medication-assisted treatment can render better results. 

Acamprosate is a medication used for alcohol use disorder, which addresses withdrawal symptoms. While acamprosate is an effective treatment for managing Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), it is not focused on addressing the psychological dependence of a person. 

Taking Acamprosate without psychosocial support is not advised. The medication gives effective results when taken alongside therapeutic interventions. If you are taking the drug, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions.

Disulfiram is an effective medication that inhibits the metabolism of the drug in the body. If you take alcohol with Disulfiram, it will cause you to become very sick, thereby discouraging the use of alcohol. What this drug does it stop the breakdown of alcohol. When this happens, toxins build up in the body which can cause severe reactions. If you are experiencing side effects from the drug, you should inform your healthcare provider. 

Disulfiram is an integral part of MAT for alcohol use disorder. It can help in abstinence and promote a healthy recovery for individuals struggling with AUD. If your doctor has prescribed it to you, make sure to follow their guidelines.

Role of Therapy in MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder

Therapy plays a crucial role in Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). MAT typically involves the combination of medication, such as medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram, with therapy and support services. Here's how therapy contributes to MAT for AUD:

Addressing underlying issues

The main goal of therapy is to get to the root cause of AUD. Nipping the issue in the bud can help patients deal with trauma and stress in a better way. It is under therapy that one understands if they are struggling with a mental health condition as well. 

Also, once a person stops taking alcohol, they might feel the need to feel depressed, anxious, or, stressed in general. Therefore, therapy helps deal with: 

• Trauma
• Stress
• Depression 
• Anxiety, or interpersonal conflicts.

By uncovering and processing these issues, therapy can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and Contingency Management (CM), are often used along with medication in MAT for AUD. These therapies help individuals recognize and change:

• Unhealthy thought patterns
• Beliefs
• Behaviors related to alcohol use

They also assist in developing skills to manage cravings, cope with triggers, and prevent relapse.

Support and accountability

Therapy provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly discuss their challenges, progress, and setbacks in recovery. Therapists offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability, which can be instrumental in maintaining motivation and adherence to treatment goals.

Skill-building

Therapy equips individuals with practical skills and strategies to deal with the various stages of recovery. Recovery is not always a smooth process. In fact, most of the time, it is a quite difficult process.

What therapies do is equip individuals with skills including:

• Stress management techniques
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Assertiveness training

Learning these skills enhances individuals' ability to cope with life's stressors without resorting to alcohol use.

Relapse prevention

The thoughts of substance use recurs no matter which medication you take. This is normal to experience. Therefore, therapy focuses on developing personalized relapse prevention plans tailored to each individual's triggers, risk factors, and strengths. By identifying warning signs of relapse and implementing effective coping strategies, individuals are better prepared to prevent and manage relapses when they occur. 

Family and social support

Therapy often involves family therapy or involving loved ones in the treatment process. This helps improve communication, rebuild relationships, and establish a supportive network for recovery outside of formal treatment settings. Involving family and friends in therapy can also help them understand AUD better and provide necessary support to the individual in recovery. There are family therapy programs that you can opt for at different rehabs. This practice can also improve relationships that are affected by alcohol use disorder. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the complexities of addiction. Through the combination of medication and therapy, individuals are provided with the tools and support needed to achieve sustainable recovery. Medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, when used with therapeutic interventions, have shown promising results in reducing cravings, managing withdrawal symptoms, and preventing relapse.