You have a good friend from childhood, with whom you have spent all your school and college years. Both of you are married and settled down, but your friend is unhappy. You find out that her spouse is an alcoholic, and has made your friend’s life miserable. On confiding in you, you advise your friend to seek treatment for her spouse. Your friend is unaware that there is treatment available for an alcohol addict because alcohol is considered to be a disease, as most experts agree and an alcoholic will continue to drink no matter what the circumstances are.
Explaining alcoholism
Alcoholism is described as a chronic disease, where the body becomes dependent on alcohol and features the following:
- Craving
- Loss of control
- Physical dependence
- Tolerance
Alcoholics get a strong urge to drink (craving), and cannot stop drinking once having started (loss of control). Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating or nervousness are seen in the absence of drinking (physical dependence) and a tolerance to drinking is present, to drink more quantities in order to get ‘high.’ An alcoholic will continue to drink in spite of being aware of the emotional, health or financial issues that keep arising as a result.
This condition can result in people coming from disturbed homes with relationship problems. However, there is evidence of alcoholism running in families. At the same time, a person’s lifestyle and environment can also influence
one to become alcoholic.
Treatment with naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the part of the brain, which gives a ‘feel of pleasure’ on consumption of alcohol. This reduces the desire to drink and helps the person to remain sober even after quitting drinks. This medication can work when drinking small amounts of alcohol as well. It is not recommended for those who are still heavy drinkers or for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone works best as part of a support and counseling program, and is not a complete cure for alcoholism. This is a prescription drug available in tablet form and can be taken at home or at a treatment centre under supervision. It is mostly taken for a period of 12 weeks or more (once a day), and is best to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and frequency of the medication.
Precautions
Prior to staring treatment, the following precautions must be adhered to and discussed with the doctor:
- Stopping all opioid or narcotic medications (codeine, morphine or heroin)
- Any allergy to medications
- Any prescription or nonprescription medications being taken
- Having depression
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy plans
- Breast-feeding
All other narcotic drugs must be stopped at least 7 to 10 days prior to taking naltrexone. In case of any emergency medical (or dental) treatment or surgery, the doctor must be informed that the patient is taking naltrexone. Carrying identification cards that naltrexone is being taken is recommended, which can be procured from the doctor. Any alcoholic is prone to depression and suicidal tendencies. Taking naltrexone does not reduce this risk and family or friends must be prepared to help the person if such a situation arises.
Side-effects
The most common side effect is nausea, and any other symptoms that persist or do not resolve should be notified to the doctor. These include:
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Headache/dizziness
- Nervousness/anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Drowsiness
- Increased or decreased energy
- Muscle or joint pain
- Skin rash
Serious symptoms listed in the ‘Important Warning’ section should be bought to the attention of the doctor immediately. These include:
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Blurred vision
- Severe vomiting/diarrhea
The doctor may also send a report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when any serious side effects are experienced. In the cases of missed dosage, the tablet must be taken as soon as the patient remembers. If it is already time for the next dosage, the missed dose can be skipped and regular dosage commenced. A double dose must not be taken to compensate for the missed one.
A holistic approach to overcome alcoholism
Treatment for alcohol is not only about popping pills, but includes attending mutual help groups (psychosocial treatment) such as Alcoholics Anonymous, individual or family counseling, avoiding troublesome situations, people or places and learning to make better choices in life. Like in many other diseases, the mind and body both are affected, and an alcoholic needs treatment to help change oneself and cope with life’s problems without resorting to drinking. It is important to realize that being an alcoholic is not only disastrous for oneself but also for the near and dear ones. Hence, taking that important step towards getting cured of the addiction will surely make one realize the opportunities and choices available. Drug treatment can definitely be the start of a better life.
