Acamprosate for alcohol dependency 

Why Acamprostate? 

Alcohol dependency can be overcome.

Many people have found relief with the help of Acamprosate for alcohol addiction.

It is used to manage cravings after detox. There are four elements to successful recovery: Detox, rehab, relapse prevention and aftercare.

One essential element for many people is using Acamprosate for alcohol addiction as part of their treatment plan.

Acamprosate (Campral) can be a very effective element of both aftercare and relapse prevention for those struggling with alcohol addiction.

When you use it, in combination, with other aspects of your ongoing recovery work, it can make a real difference in managing alcohol addiction.

Acamprosate

The role of Acamprosate

A non-addictive tablet medication, it is used to reduce the cravings that people who have gone through detox sometimes experience.

Acamprosate can play a significant role in supporting individuals dealing with alcohol addiction.

One of the major advantages of Acamprosate is that there is no need to taper off when you decide the time is right to stop.

There are no withdrawal symptoms, which makes Acamprosate suitable for alcohol addiction management.

Acamprosate

How does it work?  

That is a very good question. For people considering Acamprosate for alcohol addiction, understanding this is important.

At this time, no one actually knows. Currently, Acamprosate is still used for alcohol addiction even as researchers work to clarify its mechanisms.

The theory is that Acamprosate restores chemical messaging in the brain which is affected when you drink alcohol. When you drink, the alcohol affects certain receptors in your brain by opening up chemical pathways.

This leads to the release of naturally occurring chemicals. In this case: feelgood ones.

Acamprosate is believed to increase the release of inhibitory chemicals so that the feelgood chemicals are neutralised, which can help those struggling with alcohol addiction.

Acamprosate is very similar to two naturally occurring neurotransmitters called NMDA and GABA which have a calming effect on your brain.

Because of these properties, Acamprosate is often prescribed for alcohol addiction.

Further research is necessary to determine, precisely, how it works. However, its use in alcohol addiction continues to be recommended.

Acamprosate

How is it taken? 

Acamprosate comes in tablet form, making it a convenient option for alcohol addiction treatment.

Providing you weigh over 60KG, you will take two tablets, three times a day. If you are using Acamprosate for alcohol addiction, the dosage is important for effectiveness.

For those under 60KG, four tablets a day is the recommended dose.

Most people take two at breakfast and one at lunchtime and then one at night, following prescribed Acamprosate guidelines for alcohol addiction. It is best taken with food.

For those seeking relief from alcohol addiction, Acamprosate is typically recommended to be taken alongside meals.

Acamprosate

Are blood tests needed? 

Technically, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to blood tests before commencing Acamprosate.

It can have an effect on your liver function, but this effect is far more negligible than if you were to start drinking again.

Your clinician will discuss the benefits and considerations with you. Usually, if you have mild liver impairment you will still be able to commence treatment with Acamprosate.

Acamprosate

When should it be commenced?

As soon as you are sober! At that point, Acamprosate can be started for alcohol addiction management.

You can not take Acamprosate if you are drinking. There must be, at least, a 24 hour gap between your last drink and taking Acamprosate. Acamprosate for alcohol addiction is most effective when sobriety has been achieved.

There is no rush to commence the medication in rehab.

It is adjunctive to therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare. Usually, towards the tail end of your alcohol detox, it will be safe to commence Acamprosate as part of your alcohol addiction treatment plan.

Acamprosate

How long is it taken for? 

Usually, Acamprosate is taken for six months to a year. This duration is typical for alcohol addiction protocols.

 There is no evidence to suggest that taking it for longer will have a positive impact for alcohol addiction.

If you stop taking it, there are no known withdrawal symptoms. Acamprosate does not stay, for very long, in your system if you stop taking it. At the latest, it will stop working in a day and a half.

To summarise, Acamprosate for alcohol addiction is generally recommended for a defined period, as determined by your clinician.

Acamprosate

Can I get it on the NHS? 

No.
 
Due to the way the NHS commissions GP services, sadly your GP can not give you a prescription.

The only time they can is if they run a shared care addiction service.

These are now incredibly rare in the UK. Statutory drug and alcohol services, provided by local authorities (free to use) may be able to assist you with an NHS prescription.

This depends on whether the service is commissioned to provide Acamprosate.

If they are you will need to be assessed by a keyworker and attend sessions and meetings before they will arrange for you to see a clinician even for alcohol addiction cases.

While not a pre-requisite, it is likely that they will want to run some blood tests. You GP will be informed about your prescription.