Definition
Although there is no univocal and precise definition, alcoholism outlines a disease in all respects, capable of interfering with the family, mental and physical health, and the work of the subject who is affected by it. Alcoholism creates addiction, just like a drug: the alcoholic, more often than not, finds the solution to his problems in alcohol, but does not realize that by doing so he ends up ruining himself.
Causes
Alcohol addiction manifests itself in a rather gradual manner: with the passage of time, the subject, continuing to take alcohol, perceives the need to drink ever greater quantities to reach the desired state of euphoria. This is the mechanism - expressed in words simple - which sets in in the alcoholic addiction syndrome.
Symptoms
Recognition of symptoms is essential to prevent alcoholism from degenerating into real alcohol addiction: attacks of anger, unsafe and dangerous driving, instability at work, social isolation, constant need to drink alcohol, loss of interest in work / hobby, tendency to irritability and mood swings. To these psychological aspects are added the physical ones: increased liver volume, abdominal pain, gastritis, temporary memory loss, vomiting (especially in the morning).
The information on Alcoholism - Drugs for Alcoholism Treatment is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Alcoholism - Drugs for Alcoholism Treatment.
Medicines
What is disconcerting is that the alcoholic, despite feeling the constant need to drink alcohol and not being able to control himself, often does not realize that he is ill; for this reason, patients with alcoholism tend to refuse treatment. and treatments.
If the support of friends and relatives is not sufficient to overcome the difficulty, drugs can help the patient suffering from alcoholism; in any case, it is good to point out that drugs and treatments can be ineffective when the patient does not cooperate and does not have willpower.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the treatment against alcoholism, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:
- Disulfiram (eg. Antabuse dispergettes, Etiltox): the drug is not intended to cure alcoholism, nor to overcome obsessive-compulsive drinking behavior. This drug, in association with alcohol, causes physical side reactions such as hot flashes. , headache, nausea and vomiting, which should induce the patient to stop drinking to avoid the side effects just described. It is recommended to start therapy with a drug dose of 500 mg, to be taken by mouth once a day; this therapy is generally continued until there is a "withdrawal from alcohol" lasting 1-2 weeks. Subsequently, the drug is taken at a dose of 250 mg, once a day, for 6-12 months. Do not exceed 500 mg per day.
- Calcium carbimide (eg Temposil): carries out its therapeutic activity in the same way as the previous drug, even if it causes fewer side effects, both in terms of quantity and intensity. The dosage of the drug must be established by the doctor.
- Naltrexone (eg Nalorex, Narcoral, Antaxone): this drug (competitive opioid receptor antagonist) induces the alcoholic patient to stop drinking; in other words, the administration of this active is useful for reducing the desire to drink. The drug is available in the form of a prolonged-release suspension for injection: take 380 mg of active every 4 weeks, by intramuscular injection into the buttock. Alternatively, it is possible to take the drug in the form of tablets for oral use: in this case, it is recommended to take the drug at a dosage of 50 mg, once a day.
N.B. Although it is possible to take the drug by mouth, it is recommended to choose the injectable version, as it appears to be more effective in recovering from alcoholism.
- Acamprosate (eg Campral): this active ingredient is also useful for reducing the desire to drink alcohol. Unlike Disulfiram, the administration of this drug does not generate secondary side effects. Acamprosate carries out its therapeutic activity by antagonizing a hyperactive neurotransmitter in the phase of alcohol withdrawal (glutamate). It is particularly useful for reducing the likelihood of relapse. Indicatively, the dosage of this drug for the treatment of alcoholism in adults and the elderly is 666 mg, to be taken orally, three times a day.
- Ondansetron (eg Zofran): in case of alcohol dependence, it is recommended to take the drug at a dosage of 4 mcg per kilo, twice a day. Typically, the drug is prescribed to treat secondary symptoms accompanying alcoholism, such as nausea and vomiting.
In case of alcoholism in the context of pregnancy, do not take the drugs described above: in such situations, the support of family members is recommended and, if necessary, it is advisable to follow a psychological treatment program at a competent facility.
Psychological care
These drugs are often associated with other active ingredients capable of correcting the psychological symptoms caused by alcoholism; often, in fact, the patient needs psychological support (from family members) and pharmacological help with anxiolytics and antidepressants. eg triazolam, oxazepam, clotiazepam, nitrazepam, clobazam, etc.), unfortunately widely used by alcoholics to reduce anxiety and to combat insomnia, tend to increase the risk of relapses, especially when used for long periods.
Collateral therapies
Since alcoholism can cause hypertension, increase blood sugars, favor the onset of liver or heart disease, the doctor will take the most suitable measures to treat these diseases, which - in this specific case - are closely related to alcoholism.
Some patients with alcoholism (in a particularly severe form) undergo a specific treatment program at a residential facility (community), which helps the patient find a way out of the alcohol tunnel that has long been imprisoning him. To cope with the problems associated with alcoholism, patients undergo group therapy; the Alcoholics Anonymous group is one of the most important organizations dedicated to the healing of alcoholics.
