National Addiction Treatment CentersThe Short Answer
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, and several medications are approved to help treat it alongside counseling and other supports. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says the right choice depends on your situation, so any medication decision should be discussed with a doctor or other licensed clinician. If you or someone near you is in immediate danger, call 911, and if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
Your Safety Comes First
This guide is general information from official sources, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician before you start, stop or change any medication, and do not try to manage withdrawal on your own. If you or someone else is in danger or has overdosed, call 911 now.
For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time.
Key Points
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism describes alcohol use disorder as a treatable health condition that can range from mild to severe.
- Several medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating alcohol use disorder, and a doctor can explain which ones may be appropriate.
- Medications are typically part of a broader treatment plan that can also include counseling and other behavioral support, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
- SAMHSA lists medication as one of many treatment options for substance use disorders.
- The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator is an official resource for learning how to find quality care.
- A doctor or other licensed clinician is the right person to talk with about any medication, pregnancy or withdrawal decision—and to call 911 in an emergency or 988 in a crisis.
Alcohol Use Disorder as a Health Condition
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that alcohol use disorder is a recognized medical condition, not a moral failing, and that it can be mild, moderate or severe. It involves patterns of drinking that cause harm or distress, and it can affect anyone. Recognizing it as a health condition helps explain why medical treatment, including medication in some cases, can be part of a person's care.
If you are worried about your drinking or someone else's, the NIAAA advises talking with a doctor or other licensed clinician about next steps.
Medications That Are Approved
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications to treat alcohol use disorder. These are prescription treatments that work in different ways, and a doctor decides whether one is appropriate based on a person's health and history.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism stresses that no single approach fits everyone, so this is a conversation to have with a licensed clinician. Information about what each medication does and how it fits into a treatment plan should come from that clinician and the official product information.
Medication as Part of a Broader Plan
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that medications for alcohol use disorder are generally used together with other forms of support, such as counseling or behavioral therapy, rather than alone. SAMHSA describes medication as one option among a range of treatments for substance use disorders, and it encourages people to find care that matches their needs. The mix of supports a person uses can change over time, and a clinician can help adjust the plan.
Anyone considering treatment can ask a doctor or other licensed clinician what combination might suit them.
Talking with a Clinician
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that people discuss treatment options directly with a health care professional who can review their health history. Questions worth raising include whether medication might help, what the risks and benefits are, and how it would fit with other care. Any decision about starting, changing or stopping a medication—and any question about pregnancy or withdrawal—belongs with a doctor or other licensed clinician.
A clinician can also explain what to expect and when to seek urgent help.
Finding Treatment and Getting Help
SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov and the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator are official resources the agencies offer to help people locate treatment and learn what to look for in a provider. These tools can help narrow down options, but they do not replace a conversation with a clinician. If a person is in immediate danger, call 911.
If someone is in crisis or thinking about suicide, SAMHSA's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text to 988.
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Sources
This guide summarises these official sources. Check them for the latest guidance.
- Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
- Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988
- Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorders (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
- NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism): https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/
- FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA): https://findtreatment.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
What medications are approved for alcohol use disorder?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications for treating alcohol use disorder. They are prescription treatments that work in different ways, and a doctor or other licensed clinician decides whether one is right for a person. Because the choice depends on individual health and history, the NIAAA encourages people to discuss options with a clinician rather than deciding on their own.
How does naltrexone work?
Naltrexone is one of the medications the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism identifies as approved for alcohol use disorder, and the agency explains that it works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain—a mechanism relevant to how it is thought to reduce the rewarding effects of drinking. The precise way it fits into a person's care, including whether it is appropriate at all, is a decision for a doctor or other licensed clinician. The NIAAA recommends talking with a clinician about how any medication works and what to expect.