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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Medication to Stop an Alcohol Problem


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QUESTION:  I desperately need your help, for I have no place to turn.  You
must know of some pill or medication I can take to stop an alcohol problem
that is now gotten out of hand.  Please tell me where to find it?

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ANSWER:  No, there is no "magic bullet" for the treatment of alcoholism.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), whose motto is "One Day At A Time", is still the
best place to turn in your situation.  Medication is only one part of any
effective treatment program, which must be multidisciplinary and cover all
bases . . . social, psychological, biological, etc.  The first two are well
taken care of by AA and psychiatric counseling.
     Medications can help, however, at certain stages of in-hospital treatment
if used judiciously.  For example, during detoxification (withdrawal) or when
stopping drinking suddenly, a heavy drinker usually has anxiety, nervousness,
insomnia, cold sweats, nausea, and extreme discomfort.  Some drinkers can take
this "cold turkey."  But if the symptoms are severe, especially if they
include seizures, they can be relieved by small oral doses of a benzodiazepine
tranquilizer.  And the dosage can be increased to relieve severe seizures,
delirium tremens (DTs or "shakes"), hallucinations, confusion, galloping
heart rate, etc.  If you have had seizures in the past after "going on the
wagon," inform the physician, even if no other symptoms were present.
     You should also get a complete physical exam as soon as possible after
withdrawal, as heavy drinkers often have underlying and undiagnosed liver
disease, pneumonia and gastric bleeding.  Booze is full of "empty calories"
that provide energy but lack nutrition, so vitamins and nutritional support
may be needed.
     Be sure to inform your physician of any medications you are taking as
they may interact dangerously with treatment.  For example, barbiturates,
antidepressants and other drugs can double or triple the effects of alcohol,
impairing your coordination for driving and other physical tasks.
     Three days after withdrawal, provided you decide to remain sober, ask
your physician about disulfiram (Antabuse), a drug used as aversion therapy.
If you take Antabuse you must not touch even a drop of alcohol, or you will
have extremely unpleasant sensations, such as blinding headaches, retching
nausea, hot flashes, pounding heart rate and a feeling of "impending doom,"
certainly something you will not wish to repeat.  Such aversion therapy is not
for everyone, and should only be undertaken after consultation with a
physician familiar with treating alcoholics.  In some cases, it is highly
successful, but it is often used as a last resort.
     Any medical therapy should be coupled with AA attendance, psychiatric
counseling and other supportive measures that can help you keep your hard won
victory.  Good luck!

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.