Is there any medicine or counselling that helps to stop drinking alcohol completely. If so please let me know.

Question

Alcohol dependence is associated with significant physical, mental and social problems. Physically, there can be liver failure, jaundice, vomiting of blood, passing blood in stools, stomach ulcers, damage to nerves of the body, swelling of legs, fluid collection in abdomen, and many more. Mentally, there is irreversible brain damage, worsening of anxiety or depression, triggering of psychosis and mood disorders, dementia, etc. From a social point of view, there may be isolation from neighbors or family, increased abusive behavior to children or spouses, legal problems, accidents, etc.
Anti craving medications are available which will help to reduce the craving. Consult a psychiatrist with experience in deaddiction.

Akshata Bhat · Accepted Answer

Alcohol dependence is associated with significant physical, mental and social problems. Physically, there can be liver failure, jaundice, vomiting of blood, passing blood in stools, stomach ulcers, damage to nerves of the body, swelling of legs, fluid collection in abdomen, and many more. Mentally, there is irreversible brain damage, worsening of anxiety or depression, triggering of psychosis and mood disorders, dementia, etc. From a social point of view, there may be isolation from neighbors or family, increased abusive behavior to children or spouses, legal problems, accidents, etc.
Anti craving medications are available which will help to reduce the craving. Consult a psychiatrist with experience in deaddiction.

Jagadeesan M.S. · Answer

Yes there are medicines, but cannot be prescribed over the counter, you need to have blood tests including liver function test to decide the type and dose of alcohol craving medications, consult a psychiatrist and get help. All the best.

Saranya Devanathan · Answer

Dear lybrate-user,
It is a crores of rupees question. Many researchers are still spending much time and energy to find such a medicine or counseling.
Right now, we have effective drugs to counteract withdrawal symptoms. We have 2-3 types of tablets to counteract craving for alcohol. Of course, we have disulfiram (antabuse) for developing aversion towards alcohol.
We also have motivational enhancement therapy, relapse prevention therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, etc.
With these things, mostly in combination of all, anyone can stop drinking completely. Remember alcohol dependence is a chronic recurring disorder. Please remember the above advice is for those who became dependent on alcohol - not for anyone who drinks. They can stop drinking alcohol completely without much help from medicines.