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Suggest Treatment To Get Rid Of Alcohol Addiction
Question: G'day Doctor, I have a drinking problem, in that once I start, I don't like to stop. Two days a week I don't drink at all and don't have a problem with that (other than probably looking forward to the next night). A few years ago I heard about a drug in the U.S.A. which acted like Nicabate, making the user not want to drink. Do you know if there's anything like that available in Australia? Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Alcohol Binge- Psychologist help + Drug therapy
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I have read your query in detail. I understand your concern.
With the details you have mentioned, i would qualify and fit you into category of "Alcohol Dependence" and "Alcohol Binge Drinking"
As you already know that this is mostly the game of mind.
Since you want to quit, so you can quit.
I would ask you to take help of a Psychologist. Go for a direct in person consultation.
This if works well alone, that is the best.
If it doesn't work, then you have to get Psychologist help in conjugation with the drugs.
To discuss about the drug part, i need a few more details:
1. Since when you have been drinking?
2. In what quantities you consume alcohol?
3. Do you want to quit or just want to reduce your binge drinking?
4. How is your sleep when you don't drink?
5. Are you married? Living with a family?
6. Do you have cravings for alcohol?
As far as Nicabate is concerned, that drug is used for Smoking cessation, and has NO ROLE in treating alcohol related issues.
i would like to discuss about the drugs used for this purpose, once i have specific details from your end.
This is my best advice for you based on available details. If you have any further query please ask me and revert with the asked details preferably in point wise manner for a better help.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney, MD
Alcohol Binge- Psychologist help + Drug therapy
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I have read your query in detail. I understand your concern.
With the details you have mentioned, i would qualify and fit you into category of "Alcohol Dependence" and "Alcohol Binge Drinking"
As you already know that this is mostly the game of mind.
Since you want to quit, so you can quit.
I would ask you to take help of a Psychologist. Go for a direct in person consultation.
This if works well alone, that is the best.
If it doesn't work, then you have to get Psychologist help in conjugation with the drugs.
To discuss about the drug part, i need a few more details:
1. Since when you have been drinking?
2. In what quantities you consume alcohol?
3. Do you want to quit or just want to reduce your binge drinking?
4. How is your sleep when you don't drink?
5. Are you married? Living with a family?
6. Do you have cravings for alcohol?
As far as Nicabate is concerned, that drug is used for Smoking cessation, and has NO ROLE in treating alcohol related issues.
i would like to discuss about the drugs used for this purpose, once i have specific details from your end.
This is my best advice for you based on available details. If you have any further query please ask me and revert with the asked details preferably in point wise manner for a better help.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thanks for your response.
1. 40 years
2. About 6 glasses of wine, 5 nights a week
3. Ideally reduce levels to a more healthy amount, but I feel it is probably more sensible to stop altogether.
4. I sleep fine when not drinking, in fact I seem to be more tired those nights.
5. I am married and live with my 21 yo son and 18 yo daughter.
6. I'm not sure if they are cravings, but I do look forward to drinking at night.
1. 40 years
2. About 6 glasses of wine, 5 nights a week
3. Ideally reduce levels to a more healthy amount, but I feel it is probably more sensible to stop altogether.
4. I sleep fine when not drinking, in fact I seem to be more tired those nights.
5. I am married and live with my 21 yo son and 18 yo daughter.
6. I'm not sure if they are cravings, but I do look forward to drinking at night.
Brief Answer:
Strong determination is required.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
I appreciate your honest response.
I can also feel from your answer, that you are determined.
And the best part about that is you don't have withdrawl symptoms on the days you don't drink.
Have you noticed the freshness next morning you have when you don't drink?
Think about that freshness, whenever you want to drink.
Get your Liver Function Test , Ultrasound of liver and Lipid Profile to see the extent of damage that you have done. This would create a fear in your mind, and you may quit.
Now coming to drug treatment part.
After analyzing your history and drinking pattern, you don't need any drug therapy.
In case, you get sleepless or restless while you are not drinking you can take Etizolam 0.5 mg.
If you develop sleeping problems, you may take Zolpidem.
Other drugs used are:
1.Disulfiram.
2.Naltrexone.
3.Acamprosate, which may reduce your craving for alcohol.
4.Topiramate
Another drug which i used for this purpose is Fluoxetine. It helps in reducing Alcohol Craving.
But any of the drug has to be taken in prior consultation with your doctor and you need prescriptions.
I must again emphasize that you can easily come out of this just with strong determination.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Strong determination is required.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
I appreciate your honest response.
I can also feel from your answer, that you are determined.
And the best part about that is you don't have withdrawl symptoms on the days you don't drink.
Have you noticed the freshness next morning you have when you don't drink?
Think about that freshness, whenever you want to drink.
Get your Liver Function Test , Ultrasound of liver and Lipid Profile to see the extent of damage that you have done. This would create a fear in your mind, and you may quit.
Now coming to drug treatment part.
After analyzing your history and drinking pattern, you don't need any drug therapy.
In case, you get sleepless or restless while you are not drinking you can take Etizolam 0.5 mg.
If you develop sleeping problems, you may take Zolpidem.
Other drugs used are:
1.Disulfiram.
2.Naltrexone.
3.Acamprosate, which may reduce your craving for alcohol.
4.Topiramate
Another drug which i used for this purpose is Fluoxetine. It helps in reducing Alcohol Craving.
But any of the drug has to be taken in prior consultation with your doctor and you need prescriptions.
I must again emphasize that you can easily come out of this just with strong determination.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
G'day Doctor,
Many thanks for your help.
Kind regards,
XXXXXXX
Many thanks for your help.
Kind regards,
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Good Luck.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I want to see you healthy and happy.
So, take alcohol once in a blue moon only.
Don't make it a habit.
I am sure you would quit soon.
If you have no further query, please close the discussion and rate it.
Stay Healthy
Dr Anshul Varshney
Good Luck.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I want to see you healthy and happy.
So, take alcohol once in a blue moon only.
Don't make it a habit.
I am sure you would quit soon.
If you have no further query, please close the discussion and rate it.
Stay Healthy
Dr Anshul Varshney
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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