Thought I'd get to this on the show yesterday but ran out of time. Simply put there's a sea change in attitude when it comes to treating alcoholics. First up is a recognition that alcoholism isn't a single entity. People drink for a whole variety of reasons...genes, anxiety, PTSD and on and on. Bottom line, all alcoholics aren't the same so one treatment fits all is silly.
The traditional view is that alcoholics shouldn't be treated with any medicine that has addiction potential. All you'd be doing is substituting one addiction for another. Many are now challenging this theory. They're giving meds to stop patients from falling off the wagon especially in the first year or two after becoming sober.
There are three drugs being used. Two attack cravings, naltrexone and acamprosate, and the third, disulfiram, makes you sick if you drink alcohol. These drugs are not miracle cures by any means but they do help.
DR. JOE'S TAKE AWAY:
In addition to twelve steps, psychotherapy and the alcoholic themselves wanting to ditch the booze, these drugs naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram have a role.
