Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment programs to address the various aspects of alcohol dependence and recovery. If you already know that you or a loved one needs alcohol or drug treatment, please call us at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here. If you need more information, read below.

Alcohol Cravings

Alcohol cravings can lead a patient out of treatment drink. After the physical alcohol dependence is treated with medical detoxification, recovery is just getting started. Treatment for the emotional issues and spiritual malady is needed to ensure long-term recovery. In treatment alcohol cravings become an obsession for patients, diminishing their ability to concentrate on the work at hand. This obsession is the primary reason that patients leave treatment

Medications are now being used to reduce cravings during treatment. These anti-craving medications diminish the effects of alcohol so cravings are reduced and, in some cases, even eliminated. They do not make a person feel ill with alcohol consumption, but rather make it useless. There are two types of alcohol craving reduction medications being widely used in treatment. One is a daily dose tablet, and the other is a monthly injection.

Campral

Campral (Acamprosate) is a medication in tablet form taken 3 times a day. It reduced alcohol cravings by balancing brain chemicals. The most common side effect is diarrhea, which diminishes within 2 to 3 weeks of taking the drug for the first time. While Campral has proven to be effective, patients should be enrolled in residential treatment to ensure that the drug is taken as intended, or motivation for recovery must be strong.

Vivitrol

Vivitrol (Naltrexone) is a monthly, timed release injection that interferes with pleasure receptors in the brain. There are no adverse side effects resulting from drinking alcohol while on this drug. The drinker simply does not get the usual positive feelings expected from alcohol. Side effects are minimal and may include nausea. Motivation is not a factor since each injection is effective for 30 days.

Tarzana Treatment Centers uses medications to reduce alcohol cravings for qualified patients in outpatient and residential treatment.

Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment programs to address the various aspects of alcohol dependence and recovery, including alcohol detox. We provide alcohol treatment in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, Long Beach, Reseda and Northridge. Please call us for alcohol or drug treatment at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here.

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