Alcohol Dependence

3 medicines

Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition in which the body and mind adapt to regular heavy drinking, causing cravings and withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops. Medicines such as disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate support recovery alongside counselling.

Antabuse

Disulfiram

250/500mg

Antabuse is a addiction smoking medication containing Disulfiram, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $0.62 / tablet View

Campral

Acamprosate

333mg

Campral is a addiction smoking medication containing Acamprosate, available as 333mg tablets.

from $0.86 / tablet View

Revia

Naltrexone

50mg

Revia is a addiction smoking medication containing Naltrexone, available as 50mg tablets.

from $4.45 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition where the body and mind adapt to regular heavy drinking, making it hard to stop without cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
  • It affects millions of people worldwide and is distinct from occasional heavy drinking.
  • Medicines used alongside counselling include disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate, each working differently to support long-term abstinence.
  • Withdrawal can be dangerous when stopped abruptly without support, so medical supervision matters.

Recognising dependence

Dependence is more than drinking often. Typical signs include drinking more or for longer than intended, repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down, needing progressively larger amounts to feel the same effect (tolerance), and spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol. Continuing to drink despite clear harm to health, work, or relationships is another hallmark. Many people also notice mood or sleep problems that improve only temporarily with more drinking.

What drives the cycle

Repeated alcohol use alters the brain's reward and stress circuits, reinforcing the urge to drink while making sobriety feel uncomfortable. Physical dependence develops when the body compensates for alcohol's sedative effect by ramping up excitatory activity; removing alcohol then triggers withdrawal symptoms ranging from anxiety and tremors to, in severe cases, seizures. This is why abrupt, unsupported stopping can be dangerous, and why medical management matters.

Medicines used in recovery

Several medicines work alongside counselling and lifestyle changes to support long-term abstinence. Disulfiram creates a strong aversive reaction to alcohol, which deters drinking directly. Naltrexone blunts the reward response so drinking feels less pleasurable, reducing cravings. Acamprosate helps stabilise brain chemistry during extended abstinence, easing the restlessness and anxiety that can trigger relapse. All three support addiction recovery alongside structured counselling.

When to seek help

If you or someone close to you is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Crisis support lines and helplines are available in most countries for anyone in immediate distress.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.