Ask your pharmacist treating alcohol addiction part 1

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

It is a long and hard process and a person must want to give up alcohol to be successful. Call into Whelehans Pharmacy for more detailed information or check www.whelehans.ie. All information is free and is confidential. I previously discussed health risks from alcohol in the Examiner. Treatment depends on the amount of alcohol a person is drinking. Treatment options include detoxification, medication and counselling. Abstinence is the best and most successful approach to beat alcohol addiction.

Detoxification

In mild cases, detox can be done at home without the use of medication because withdrawal symptoms should be mild. If consumption of alcohol is high (over 20 units a day) or withdrawal symptoms were previously experienced, detox at home with medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms may be possible. A short course of a tranquiliser called chlordiazepoxide (Librium^®) is usually prescribed in this case (for about 5 days). If dependency is severe, detox at a hospital or clinic may be required as withdrawal symptoms will be severe.  

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are worst for the first 48 hours. They gradually start to improve as the body begins to get used to being without alcohol. This usually takes 3-7 days from the time of the last drink. Sleep will be disturbed. Sleep patterns often start to return to normal within a month. During detox, it is important to drink plenty of fluids (about three litres a day).

Avoid drinking large amounts of drinks containing caffeine like tea and coffee as caffeine exacerbates sleep problems and cause feelings of anxiety. Stick with water, squash or fruit juice to re-hydrate. Try to eat regular meals even if not feeling hungry. Normal appetite will return gradually. Withdrawal from alcohol is an important first step; further treatment and support will be needed as it is a long term struggle to stay dry.

Medication

The three most common drugs used to treat alcohol addiction are acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate (brand name Campral^®) is used to help prevent a relapse in people who have successfully given up alcohol and works by helping reduce craving. Acamprosate works by blocking a chemical in the brain called gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). GABA helps cause a craving for alcohol. Acamprosate is usually started as soon as withdrawal from alcohol begins and can be prescribed for up to six months. I will discuss the other drugs used to treat alcohol addiction and other counseling options next week.

 

Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CADS)

The HSE Community Alcohol and Drug Service offer counselling and treatment services for adults suffering from addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling. CADS have centres in Mullingar, Athlone and Longford. CADS provides counselling and treatment to help people get over their addiction and offer support and counselling to family members. All services are totally confidential. You can contact them at 04493 41630. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer great support to those battling alcohol addiction. (more info on AA next week).

 

To be continued….next article