What over-the-counter medications can help you stop drinking? (2023)

Taking a pill or injection sounds like an easy way to overcome alcohol addiction, right? Of course you can, but unfortunately, there is no easy solution and no single pill will do the job for you. Alcohol addiction is a chronic brain disorder that affects more than 15 million adults in the United States.¹If you are one of the many addicted people,several over-the-counter products can help you stop drinking alcohol.

Over-the-counter (OTC) products that can help you stop drinking

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicationsthese are medicines that you can buy directly in a store without a prescription. Unlike prescription drugs, you do not need a valid prescription from a doctor to legally obtain these drugs. Common types of over-the-counter medications include Tylenol, Motrin, and Claritin.

While there are no recommended over-the-counter medications to help you stop drinking, there are many over-the-counter products and supplements that can help alleviate your alcohol use symptoms.alcoholic withdrawal, fight cravings and improve your mood.

If you are addicted to alcohol and consume large amounts regularly, when you stop drinking you may experience symptoms such as tremors, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, impaired cognitive thinking, and memory problems. These are all alcohol withdrawal symptoms, caused in large part by nutritional deficiencies.

By replenishing your body with essential recovery nutrients, you can reduce the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and fight cravings more effectively. Here are some ofbest OTC products and supplements for alcohol withdrawal.

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B vitamins

The B vitamins are essential for mental and emotional health, yet many people who suffer from alcohol use disorder do not have enough of these essential nutrients in their bodies. Taking B vitamin supplements can help eliminate toxins left in the body due to alcohol abuse and improve mood. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean meats, leafy green vegetables, and healthy fats will also help replenish your body's supply of B vitamins.^2,3

L-glutamine

Your body naturally produces the amino acid known as l-glutamine, but consuming large amounts of alcohol can affect how l-glutamine is produced and absorbed. Taking a supplement can help restore your body's natural chemistry, ease feelings of depression, and improve your ability to control cravings whilealcohol detox.⁴

kuzu extract

According to a recent study, kudzu extract is extremely helpful in reducing alcohol consumption.⁵Kudzu extract is a Chinese remedy used to treat diabetes, the common cold, and menopausal symptoms, among other medical conditions. A single drink has also been shown to reduce binge drinking episodes and help heavy drinkers cut back.⁶However, like all supplements, kudzu extract is not highly regulated, so it is important to be careful where you buy it and contact your doctor to determine the proper dosage.

multivitaminas

alcoholicsthey often feel compelled to have another drink because they feel depressed, lethargic, tired, and anxious. These symptoms are often exacerbated by a lack of important vitamins and minerals. Chronic use only makes this worse and further depletes the resources the body needs to function well.

If you're trying to sober up, simply taking a multivitamin can help reduce feelings of depression, give you more energy, improve your appetite, reduce cognitive and memory problems, and improve the appearance of your skin, which can serve as motivation. additional. to kick your drinking habit forever.⁷

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Most multivitamins available at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens (and many other stores) contain essential vitamins and minerals that will help you recover from alcohol addiction, including vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium. .

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Prescription drugs that can help you stop drinking

In addition to the over-the-counter products listed above, various prescription medications can also help you stop drinking alcohol.⁸If you enroll in a medical detox program, your doctor may administer some of these medications to help you deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and promote continued alcohol withdrawal.

Benzodiazepines

Certain benzodiazepines can be used to help reduce and treat mild to severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety, seizures, and insomnia.⁹In most cases, a doctor will administer a benzodiazepine such as Librium,Ativan, oValiumto help you deal with alcohol withdrawal and stay comfortable throughout the detox process. Then you may gradually reduce the dose to avoidwithdrawal symptomsand reduce the likelihood that you will become dependent on benzodiazepines.

Naltrexona (Vivitrol)

One of the main benefits of naltrexone (Vivitrol) is that you can take it while you're still drinking and you don't have to detox first. It works by suppressing cravings for alcohol and blocking the stimulant effects of alcohol. It can be taken as a pill once a day or given as a monthly injection. Common side effects include headaches and nausea. However, if you also abuse opioids or take opioid medications for medical purposes, you may not be able to take naltrexone (Vivitrol).¹⁰

Acamprosato (Campral)

Acamprosate (Campral) is a medication that should only be used during detoxification (after you stop drinking completely). It works by altering brain chemistry and reducing cravings for alcohol. It can be taken in pill form two or three times a day. While there are few side effects to this medication, you may experience some diarrhea.¹¹

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Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is a daily pill that makes you sick if you try to drink alcohol. While it won't treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms or curb cravings, it works by preventing alcohol from being fully metabolized in your body, which causes nausea, vomiting, and headache as your body tries to eliminate the alcohol.¹²Although Antabuse is effective for some people, it is not considered the most effective drug treatment for alcohol abuse.

Other effective methods of alcohol addiction treatment

Most addiction treatment experts recommend a combination of medication, holistic treatments, and cognitive behavioral therapy for the most comprehensive treatment of alcohol use disorder. If over-the-counter products or medications alone do not help you sober up, there are other effective treatment methods for alcohol addiction that can be used at the same time.

medical detox program– Medical detox provides 24-hour medical and clinical care in a safe and supportive environment.Alcohol detox on your own at homeIt's not certain, but medical detoxification helps make detoxing from alcohol a more comfortable and safe process and drastically reduces the likelihood ofrelapse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)– Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment method that helps people adjust their attitudes and thoughts about substance abuse. CBT works to stop self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse and gives people the tools and strategies they need to deal with stress and other common triggers that lead them to drink.
Support groups -Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Celebrate Recovery, or SMART Recovery can help people adjust to a sober lifestyle by providing peer support, encouraging regular participation in a recovery program, and helping them find purpose in life. life when alcohol is no longer consumed. one part of the equation.
Long Term Drug Rehab Program– Long-term addiction treatment lasting at least 90 days has been shown to produce the most positive treatment outcomes for people in recovery.Long-term rehabilitation programsProviding evidence-based, comprehensive treatment for people with alcohol use disorder and a residential program can serve as a safe haven for people with serious or long-term addictions.

If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, there are many ways to overcome your addiction, and there is a way out.Call (888) 857-0557 today to discuss your treatment options with a Briarwood Detox Center admitting representative.

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