Addiction to alcohol affects millions of people throughout the United States, destroying lives and communities in every part of the country and every social strata. In fact, according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 30 million people over the age of 12 had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the previous year. This implies that, on average, one out of every eleven people in the US struggles with alcohol addiction.
Because alcohol poses such a widespread problem, there are many quick-fix cures and new diet routines that promise an easy path to sobriety, but do any of them work? There is no quick fix to addiction, but some pharmaceutical aides, such as Gabapentin for alcohol use disorder, show promising results in assisting those working to break their destructive patterns.
How Do I Know If I Need Help?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults should screen themselves for alcohol misuse to identify whether they are at risk. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) is a 10-question assessment that allows you to easily see whether you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol addiction. If you know that you or a loved one needs help with alcohol addiction, your first step is to call a treatment program like Integrative Life Center. We can help you identify your underlying issues and addictions, and we can recommend tailored treatment for recovery. Unfortunately, some people who meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder avoid seeking the necessary treatment.How Are Drugs Used To Treat Alcohol Use Disorder?
Three medications— disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone—are FDA-approved for treating AUD, although the effectiveness of each drug varies from person to person. These medications work to discourage the person taking them from drinking alcohol, although they each operate differently. In addition, each of these drugs is:- Not a cure
- Not an alcohol-substitution drug
- Not addictive or habit-forming
- Should be prescribed in conjunction with counseling
Gabapentin: Another Option for AUD
Another medication showing promising results for those suffering from alcohol use disorder is Gabapentin. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that has shown promise in addressing alcohol dependence. Where acamprosate and naltrexone modestly reduce alcohol consumption, Gabapentin has the potential to:- Effectively treat dependence
- Relieve symptoms of insomnia
- Minimize symptoms of Dysphoria
- Reduce alcohol cravings
How Does Gabapentin Work?
Gabapentin’s effectiveness lies in its ability to address alcohol dependence and related symptoms. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:- Insomnia and tiredness
- Irritability and mood changes
- Depression and anxiety
- Aches and pains
- Cravings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and shaking
