Campral Acamprosate Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Cravings and Addiction: What is Campral Acamprosate?
Campral acamprosate, also known as Campral, is an FDA-approved medication used to treat alcohol cravings and alcohol addiction. The drug was originally approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat alcoholism. It works in two ways. It stops people from experiencing cravings while they’re on the drug. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of someone developing a physical dependence on alcohol after stopping use of the drug. Most medical professionals recommend Campral acamprosate be used alongside psychotherapy with an addiction psychiatrist in Manhattan, NYC. There are often underlying emotional and mental health issues that need to be addressed when treating alcohol addiction.
How does Campral Acamprosate Decrease Alcohol Cravings?
The drug acamprosate is known by the brand name Campral. It is a medication designed to treat alcohol cravings and prevent relapses associated with alcohol addiction. The most common uses of acamprosate are in treating alcoholism or alcohol dependence. But, it can also be used to treat specific instances of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Alcohol dependence can cause physical dependence on ethanol even when not consumed in excessive amounts. Both acute and chronic ethanol consumption leads to dysregulation of glutamate receptors in many regions of the brain, especially those involved in cognition. Acamprosate works by reducing alcohol cravings, particularly in heavy drinkers who have experienced withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of alcohol use. It does so by inhibiting NMDA receptors (the same receptor that memantine inhibits) while stimulating GABA-B receptors (the same receptor that pregabalin stimulates). In doing so, acamprosate helps stabilize neuronal excitability and reduces glutamatergic activity at excitatory synapses. These actions help reduce alcohol cravings while preventing relapse into drinking.
From Where Does Alcoholism Begin?
Alcoholism begins when an individual experiences symptoms of alcohol dependence. But, before actual physical dependence occurs. An alcohol abuser with alcohol addiction will experience withdrawal symptoms when he suddenly stops drinking alcohol. On the other hand, a physically dependent person won’t experience any notable side effects when suddenly stopping. But, they will develop a physical addiction over time. Therefore, one can learn how to stop alcoholism before it becomes full-blown alcoholism.
Sometimes medical experts prescribe Campral acamprosate for alcohol cravings as well as detoxification from alcohol. This medication works best when used with alcohol addiction treatment provided by an addiction psychiatrist. For some people, Campral acamprosate may be more effective than other medications like naltrexone or topiramate because of its alcohol craving relief properties. Before beginning treatment with Campral acamprosate, you should consult your doctor about whether or not you have developed an alcohol dependency. Also, discuss your complete medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure that there are no potential interactions between them.
The Neurotransmitters Involved in Alcohol Addiction
How does Campral acamprosate work to help people overcome alcohol cravings and alcohol addiction? There are four neurotransmitters involved in addictive behaviors: dopamine, GABA, serotonin, and glutamate. In some ways, they’re what allows us to enjoy life in addition to helping us deal with stressors. This is why feeling happy naturally helps drive behaviors such as a love of work or a new interest. Alcohol works by increasing our pleasure response through these neurotransmitters, which can lead to alcohol dependence. Alcohol-dependent individuals have fewer receptors for these neurotransmitters than non-alcoholics. When an alcoholic stops drinking for a long period of time, he/she will experience withdrawals that feel similar to those experienced during drug withdrawal. Which includes intense cravings for alcohol.
This is where Campral acamprosate comes into play. It helps restore balance to these neurotransmitters so alcohol cravings aren’t as strong. And because it restores balance, it also helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms often associated with alcohol dependence. As you might expect, other treatments like psychotherapy are necessary to ensure you fully recover from alcohol addiction. But, Campral acamprosate can help reduce your risk of relapse while you receive treatment from your addiction psychiatrist.
Why Is Psychotherapy Important When Taking Campral Acamprosate for Alcohol Addiction?
Psychotherapy is an integral part of addiction treatment and is common practice in addiction psychiatry. A well-trained addiction psychiatrist can also offer insight into your alcohol cravings by helping you deal with any emotions or psychological issues related to alcohol addiction. The goal of psychotherapy for alcohol addiction using Campral acamprosate is to teach you healthy coping skills that go beyond simply stopping your use of alcohol. Instead, a psychiatrist will provide you with techniques that can help you stay sober over time instead of managing your cravings during Campral acamprosate treatment for alcoholism.
In general, it’s recommended that you take Campral acamprosate along with some form of alcohol addiction treatment in New York, NY. Seek an addiction psychiatrist who has experience treating alcoholism. Stephen Gilman, MD is an addiction psychiatrist in Manhattan, NYC who has done research on alcohol addiction and prescribes this medication along with addiction-focused psychotherapy.
Begin Alcohol Addiction Treatment in New York, NY
You can use both Campral and the support of a caring psychiatrist to overcome your alcohol addiction. Learn more about alcohol addiction treatment and how you can get the support you deserve by contacting my New York, NY-based therapy practice. I can offer in-person and online support. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Stephen Gilman, MD
- Learn more about me and my approach to treatment
- Start finding healing solutions!
Other Services Offered with Stephen Gilman, MD – Addiction Psychiatrist in NYC, Manhattan
Alcohol addiction treatment isn’t the only service I offer from my New York, NY-based therapy office. Other mental health services I offer include general psychiatry, young adult psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and opioid addiction treatment. I’m also happy to offer prescription drug addiction treatment, cocaine addiction, and meth addiction treatment, behavioral addiction treatment, PTSD treatment, drug addiction treatment, and marijuana addiction treatment. Learn more about me or visit my blog for more helpful info.
