Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Medications & Treatment

If you have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol detox is often the first step toward better health.

During detox, alcohol is processed out of your body, and you may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. While these symptoms often ease after the first couple of weeks, the overall timeline depends on the severity of your dependence on alcohol.

Getting through withdrawal is not something to do on your own. It is a complex time that people experience with varying intensity levels. Symptoms of withdrawal can change rapidly, and in cases of severe alcohol dependence, withdrawal can be a potentially dangerous process.

As a result, medical detox is recommended for safety. When you detox with the care and support of medical professionals, they can help you manage the experience with medications and other treatments.

By working together with a medical professional in a recovery setting, you can focus on getting better and moving forward in your life.

Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal
Various medications may be used to reduce uncomfortable symptoms during detox from alcohol. These medications can help to balance an individual’s biochemistry and reduce the risk of complications.

Typically, medications for alcohol withdrawal include benzodiazepines, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.

Benzodiazepines
These drugs are commonly called benzos, and they are frequently used to manage withdrawal symptoms. They are often a top choice for alcohol withdrawal to soothe nerves and calm the central nervous system. Benzos may help to reduce muscle spasms and improve sleep quality as well.

Some benzos are short-acting, and some are long-acting. Long-acting benzodiazepines such as Valium and Librium are generally used for alcohol detox.

Naltrexone
This is a medication that helps to reduce cravings for alcohol. It is usually not recommended until after the first 7-10 days of detox, as it can stimulate symptoms of withdrawal.

Naltrexone is available as a pill and as an injectable. Brand names of the pill form include ReVia and Depade. Vivitrol is the injectable form.

Acamprosate
Alcohol changes brain chemistry and functioning. This medication is typically prescribed to help the brain regain normal functioning, and it can help to reduce cravings for alcohol. It is sold under the brand name Campral.

Disulfiram
This medication produces negative effects if alcohol is consumed. The rationale is that this will encourage the individual to discontinue drinking. The negative effects include nausea, headaches, weakness, and low blood pressure.

It is important to work with your provider to understand how any medication is working in your body. Your care team will monitor its effectiveness, note any side effects, and adjust treatments as needed.

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