Acamprosate (Campral) for Alcohol Use Disorder

What Is Acamprosate?

Acamprosate, often marketed under the brand name Campral, is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people maintain abstinence from alcohol after they have stopped drinking. Alcohol addiction, clinically known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), can cause chemical imbalances in the brain’s neurotransmitter systems. By restoring balance in these systems, acamprosate can help reduce cravings and reduce the risk of relapse. Unlike some other medications for alcohol dependence, acamprosate does not cause unpleasant physical reactions when someone drinks; instead, it works behind the scenes to maintain a stable brain environment that supports long-term recovery.

Acamprosate for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. Treatment often includes a combination of medical support, counseling, and holistic approaches to healing. For many people, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) offers a chance to reset the brain’s chemistry as they begin rebuilding their life.

Acamprosate is typically prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan that can also include behavioral therapies, peer support groups, and ongoing medical care. It is used to help prevent relapse by addressing some of the challenges that occur after detox. Individuals starting acamprosate should ideally have completed the withdrawal phase and no longer be actively consuming alcohol when they begin taking the medication. By mitigating cravings and stabilizing mood, acamprosate can allow people to focus more effectively on therapy and other recovery activities instead of being overwhelmed by the constant urge to drink.

How Does Acamprosate Work?

The primary mechanism by which acamprosate supports recovery from alcohol addiction involves the balance of two main neurotransmitter systems in the brain: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.

• Restoring Neurotransmitter Balance: Chronic alcohol consumption can disrupt the delicate balance between these neurotransmitter systems, making it harder for a person who has quit drinking to maintain abstinence. Acamprosate acts by stabilizing these chemicals, reducing the hyperexcitability that often accompanies early sobriety.
• Reducing Cravings: By normalizing chemical activity in the brain, acamprosate can help reduce or even eliminate cravings for alcohol. This can be a crucial factor in preventing relapse, especially in the first few months of recovery.
• Promoting Emotional Stability: In many cases, the process of withdrawal leaves the brain in a state of elevated stress. Acamprosate helps regulate mood and emotional stability, making it easier for the person in recovery to engage in therapy, focus on personal goals, and build a support network.

Acamprosate alone is not a cure for alcohol use disorder. Its benefits are best realized in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment program that addresses the psychological, behavioral, and social dimensions of addiction.

Acamprosate Side Effects

As with any medication, acamprosate can produce side effects. Most are manageable and tend to subside over time, but it is important to be aware of potential issues and communicate regularly with a healthcare provider.

Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals report diarrhea, nausea, or stomach discomfort. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help manage these symptoms.
• Headache: Headaches are a relatively common side effect and may be addressed through over-the-counter remedies or by adjusting dosage times with medical guidance.
• Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping may occur, especially in the early stages of treatment. Practicing good sleep hygiene can often ease these problems.
• Dizziness or Fatigue: Some people feel slightly lightheaded or lethargic when they first start taking acamprosate. If these side effects persist, a healthcare provider can help adjust the treatment plan.
• Mood Changes: While acamprosate helps regulate mood in many cases, some individuals may experience mild anxiety or depression. It’s crucial to communicate any mood shifts to your doctor, who can ensure you receive appropriate mental health support.

Although serious side effects from acamprosate are rare, any new or concerning symptoms should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

Benefits of Acamprosate

Despite the potential for mild side effects, many people find that the advantages of acamprosate greatly outweigh any drawbacks, particularly during the vulnerable months following detox.

• Long-Term Recovery Support: The effects of acamprosate continue as long as the medication is used, supporting individuals through the often turbulent transition from early sobriety to a more stable, long-term recovery phase.
• Reduced Risk of Relapse: By curbing cravings, acamprosate lowers the likelihood of returning to alcohol use, a key advantage for those beginning a new life in recovery.
• Improved Engagement in Therapy: When severe cravings aren’t occupying every thought, individuals are freer to focus on counseling, group therapy, and other rehabilitation strategies.
• Ease of Use: Acamprosate is taken orally, usually three times daily, making it relatively straightforward to integrate into a daily routine.
• Compatibility with Other Treatments: Acamprosate can be used in combination with other approaches to reduce or manage alcohol use disorder, such as naltrexone or disulfiram, if recommended by a healthcare provider.

Help for Alcohol Addiction Is Here

For anyone struggling with alcohol use disorder, it is important to remember that lasting recovery is a journey, not an overnight event. Medications like acamprosate can be a game-changer for many, but they are most effective when paired with a holistic treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

If you or a loved one needs support in overcoming alcohol addiction, The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is here to help. Our dedicated team of medical professionals, therapists, and support staff provides evidence-based treatment options in a welcoming, compassionate environment. From the initial assessment and medical detox to comprehensive rehab programs and aftercare services, we are committed to helping patients discover long-term healing and a renewed sense of purpose.

At The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, you’ll have access to:

• Medical Detox and Stabilization: A safe, supervised environment to manage withdrawal, paving the way for a successful transition into treatment.
• Individual and Group Therapy: Evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address the underlying causes and behaviors associated with alcohol addiction.
• Holistic Therapies: Approaches like mindfulness, art therapy, and recreational activities to boost overall mental and physical well-being.
• Family Support: Programs designed to involve and educate loved ones, fostering a supportive network that can contribute to enduring recovery.
• Aftercare Planning: Resources, referrals, and follow-up care to help you maintain momentum once you graduate from an intensive treatment program.

Your path to recovery is within reach, and you don’t have to face it alone. If you have questions about acamprosate or wish to learn more about our comprehensive services, reach out to The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper today. A healthier, alcohol-free life is possible, and every day in recovery is a step toward greater health, happiness, and stability.