Alcoholics, their friends and family have long wanted to treat alcohol addiction. But few people know about naltrexone. Most people think that the success rate of treating alcohol addiction is very high.
Most doctors only recommend naltrexone as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. (Source: Adobe Stock / Photographee.eu) What makes naltrexone different?
The theory is this: addiction is a learning behavior, but some people are more genetically more dependent than others. When alcoholics drink alcohol, the brain releases an abnormally large amount of endorphin, which enhances the urge to drink. Once the mechanism is triggered, it is almost impossible to stop drinking.
What is m ore, the longer a total abstinence, the more the brain repeats the information you really need to continue drinking. Dr. Roy Eskapa, co-founder of Sinclair Method, said in his book “Methods for Treating Alcoholism: Medical Proof to Eliminate Alcohol Addiction”, which is the cause of many people's recurrence.
Drugs restore their response to alcohol by reshaping the brain's response to alcohol, and respond to normal alcoholic drinkers with little alcohol. By causing the so-called "disappearance of the addiction pathway," naltrexone gradually reduced the forcing of overeating.
Naltrexone and disulfiram (sold under the trade name Antabuse) do not cause a severe or unpleasant reaction. alcohol. For many people, it may not change the effect of alcohol h fundamentally - just forcing excessive drinking. Although side effects such as stomach upset or headache may occur, most will pass.
Is naltrexone effective?
Lack of support for naltrexone in the United States is achieved through a combination of ignorance and self-interest. Dr. Marc Kern, an addiction expert, said. "This is not a profitable person, so addicted experts are not eager to find it," Kern said, providing guidance on the Sinclair method and other non-12-step measures.
"Frankly, this is because people don't need me anymore," he joked. "But it does work - when it is used correctly."
However, both Kern and Christian pointed out that it is often not used correctly. Perhaps because it is not willing to encourage drinking, it is simply used to resist the desire. Not only does it fail in this regard, it can actually lose power to those who take it in other aspects of their lives.
Naltrexone has been shown to be effective in protecting people from gambling and other compulsive behaviors. This is a good thing. But, indiscriminately, it can also cause people to lose momentum from healthy activities such as sexual health or exercise, Kern said.
"There are a lot of things that are not very clear," said Dr. Kenneth Roy, a professional psychiatrist. Addiction and membership in the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the committee has no black and white policy on the use of naltrexone. “It is not clear whether the 'extinction' of the addiction pathway only occurs in alcoholics, or whether it will make everyone lose motivation. In terms of mechanism, this is a bit ambiguous. “
Luo Dr. Yi believes that naltrexone should only be targeted as a part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
What do you think?
Are you or someone you love struggling with alcohol addiction? Which treatment have you heard or tried? Have you heard of naltrexone before? What do you think after reading this article? Remember to consult a doctor before starting any treatment plan. And share your thoughts, stories and questions in the comments below!
