Acamprosate

In 2023, 224.3 million people over the age of 12 reported drinking alcohol at some point during their lifetime. During that same year, 28.9 million people in this age group reported having an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Alcohol is one of the most used substances, and millions of people suffer with alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, each year. Drinking too much can have serious effects on the body. It can also take a toll on an individual’s relationships as well as their schooling or career.

Navigating alcohol use disorder can be challenging, and seeking recovery may be daunting. However, this isn’t a process you have to go through alone. If you or someone you love is struggling to manage alcohol consumption, help is available. Along with professional therapies and counseling, medication-assisted treatment can help many people in their recovery journey.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a professional treatment approach that uses medication to manage SUD symptoms.

When someone experiences addiction, their body can be accustomed to the way that alcohol alters their brain chemistry. This can cause discomfort as the brain reverts to natural levels during recovering, resulting in symptoms known as withdrawal syndrome.

MAT targets these symptoms. By reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms, MAT can make it easier for individuals to focus on recovering. It’s important to note that medication-assisted treatment isn’t used on its own; instead, it’s used alongside professional therapy and counseling in order to treat the entire person, including the root causes of AUD.

Therapies and Counseling That May Be Used With MAT

There are many types of therapy that can be paired with medication-assisted treatment. While MAT focuses on relieving the symptoms associated with withdrawal, therapeutic treatment approaches help target the root cause of addiction and prevent relapse. Here are common approaches used alongside MAT:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals learn about the connection between their thoughts and behaviors. In this therapy, individuals come to understand how negative thoughts or beliefs can have an impact on how they behave each day.

This treatment approach guides individuals first in identify any negative beliefs they may hold. The leading therapist will then help individuals let go of those thoughts and replace them with healthy, constructive beliefs.

CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment approach for individuals suffering from a range of mental health conditions and concerns, including alcohol misuse.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another form of psychotherapy, one that is based on CBT. Similar to CBT, this therapy approach focuses on replacing any negative or harmful thoughts and behaviors with positive, healthy ones.

A large component of dialectical behavior therapy is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that individuals can employ at every moment during their day. It encourages the individual to be fully present in the moment, as well as be aware of what they are thinking or feeling without any judgement.

Group Therapy

According to one 2023 study, alcohol use disorder is among one of the most stigmatized mental health conditions. Individuals suffering from AUD may also have feelings of shame about their struggle.

Not only is group therapy considered to be as effective as individual therapy, but it also provides the opportunity for individuals to connect with others, especially those that have gone through similar journeys. Individuals can also share anecdotes, helping provide each other with healthy coping mechanisms and success stories that encourage their peers.

What Is Acamprosate?

Acamprosate is a generic medication available through prescription. This medication is also available under brand names, including Campral, which was FDA-approved in 2004.

What Is Acamprosate Used To Treat?

Acamprosate is used as a part of medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder. Although acamprosate is not a cure for addiction, like many other medications targeting AUD, it does help individuals better navigate their symptoms as they pursue recovery. Namely, acamprosate can be used to help reduce physical cravings after stopping drinking alcohol, helping individuals focus on their treatment.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, acamprosate is one of the most common medications prescribed for those struggling with alcohol use disorder.

Acamprosate can be beneficial for those with alcohol use disorder. However, it’s important to remember that no treatment is a one-size-fits-all approach. Not everyone who takes acamprosate will have the same experience, and it may not be as effective of a treatment for some people compared to others.

How Is Acamprosate Administered?

Acamporsate is available as a tablet, taken by mouth. The exact amount of acamprosate taken per day, and how often it is taken, will depend on the patient and their individualized prescription.

What Are The Side Effects Of Acamprosate?

Acamprosate can be a helpful part of medication-assisted treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol dependency. However, despite the fact that this medication can offer a variety of benefits, some individuals who take acamprosate may also experience side effects.

Not everyone who takes acamprosate will experience side effects, and the exact severity of these side effects will vary from one individual to another. The best way to learn about the risks associated with taking acamprosate, or any medication, is to speak with your healthcare provider.

Here are some of the common side of effects of acamprosate:

• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Loss of appetite
  

Although less common, some individuals who take acamprosate may experience more severe side effects. Some of the more severe side effects of acamprosate may include burning, rashes, or numbness.

If you experience any side effects while taking acamprosate, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can better assess the severity of your symptoms and decide if a different treatment option is needed for your unique needs and situation.

MAT and Acamprosate Frequently Asked Questions

Alcohol use disorder and addiction impacts the lives of millions each year. This includes both adults and adolescents, as well as their loved ones. While navigating any form of substance use disorder can be challenging, help is available, and many individuals can find hope and balance through treatment.

If you or a loved one are considering medication-assisted treatment with acamprosate for alcohol dependency, you may have additional questions. One of the first steps to enrolling in any treatment program is better understanding the steps ahead.

Below, explore some of the most frequently asked questions about MAT and acamprosate. This includes how long treatment with acamprosate may last, as well as additional information about the expenses related to medication-assisted treatment with acamprosate.

Many of the factors associated with MAT and acamprosate can depend on you and your unique needs and preferences as an individual. As a result, if you need updated, accurate information about any form of treatment that takes into account your specific situation, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider.

How Long Does Treatment With Acamprosate Last?

Some people may only be on acamprosate for a few weeks or months. Other people may need a prescription for longer. There is no single timeline for how long treatment with acamprosate lasts, and an individual’s timeline can vary based on a variety of factors. This includes:

• The severity of alcohol use disorder
• How long the individual has struggled with alcohol use disorder
• Any other substance use disorders experienced
• Any additional mental or physical health conditions
• The individual’s support system
• The individual's response to acamprosate and treatment
• What other treatment methods are being employed to treat the individual’s symptoms
  

A patient’s timeline for acamprosate treatment can also change depending on how their treatment is going. Patients that may not be responding as well can require more time with acamprosate, while others may not need it as long. Understanding how long medication-assisted treatment with acamprosate will lasts for you or your loved one involves regularly, open communication with your healthcare provider who can better assess your needs.

Does Insurance Cover Acamprosate Treatment?

Finances can play a large role in accessibility to any type of treatment. In fact, costs and insurance coverages are among some of the more notable barriers to treatment. As a result, if you or a loved one are interested in learning more about medication-assisted treatment with acamprosate, you may have questions about out-of-pocket costs and insurance coverage.

Many insurance plans do cover acamprosate treatment. However, whether or not acamprosate is covered, and whether that coverage is full or partial, depends on your insurance plan. The best way to learn more about what treatment approaches are available through your insurance plan and the amount of coverage provided is to reach out to your insurance company directly.

For those who cannot afford treatment, or those whose insurance provides partial or no coverage for medication-assisted treatment with acamprosate, help is still available. Individuals struggling to pay for MAT and acamprosate may be able to find other resources by reaching out to their healthcare provider. This can include alternatives to medication-assisted treatment with acamprosate if needed. In some regions, there may be assistance  programs available to help cover the expenses of substance use disorder treatment.