Monthly injection used to treat alcoholism Information

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Monthly injection used to treat alcoholism

The intravenous application of a medicine known as Naltrexone could help more alcohol-dependent patients fight the urge to drink.

That is the message from doctors in the United States who say, while not a cure, a monthly shot could help in the application of alcohol treatment.

"Vivitrol is an injectable form of a medicine known as Naltrexone. Naltrexone is available in oral form, but this is an injectable form, which is given to the patient once-a-month for several reasons: to increase compliance, so patients don't have to worry about taking the pill; and it delivers a level of drug, which is really very adequate for dealing with alcohol issues," clinical assistant professor at NYU Dr Steven Lamm told NY1 News.

The drug also avoids the common side effects of sweating, vomiting, and rapid heart beat associated with many daily treatments.

One anonymous alcoholic said: "It's been very helpful. I haven't been drinking as much. I don't drink every day. I used to before I took Vivitrol and when I do drink, I drink a lot less than I used to."

However, more research and development into using drugs to treat addiction is needed according to healthcare professionals.

Article published on 10/01/2020 by PCUG Addiction Treatment