MESSAGE TO ALL ALCOHOLICS AND HEAVY DRINKERS.

More than ever before, medical treatment can help with alcohol
problems. There are new drugs for cravings and depression which have
revolutionised treatment. Success rates have improved for people who
previously have had a poor response to treatment.

If attempts at abstinence have failed, naltrexone and acamprosate are
tablets which are very effective in reducing cravings when used
correctly. Various helpful antidepressants are now also available and
most of these drugs are on the government prescription drug list.
They do not make you sick if you drink and it is possible to keep
drinking. However, most people just do not feel like it when they
start treatment. In my experience, about a third seem to give up
completely, a third reduce their intake significantly and another
third of patients find less effect for some reason. There are few
serious side effects in most cases but there could be interactions if
you are taking other medications, even over-the-counter ones. It is
essential to have a medical examination before taking any of these
medications.

So if you are having problems with drink, see your doctor and get an
assessment today.

Written by Dr Andrew Byrne, dependency specialist, Redfern, NSW.