Acamprosate for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol addiction is an overwhelming experience for those battling it, and it can feel difficult to overcome. However, recovery is possible, and medication can be an important part of treatment. One such medication used to treat alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is acamprosate.
This page will cover what acamprosate is, how it works, the benefits and side effects of the medication, and if health insurance can be used to cover treatment with acamprosate.
What Is Acamprosate?
Acamprosate is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people avoid alcohol consumption and maintain sobriety.1
It is thought to do this by correcting certain chemical imbalances in the brain associated with chronic drinking behavior, as well as to reduce some of the more long-standing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.1
Healthcare providers typically prescribe acamprosate to those who have achieved abstinence from alcohol and want to prevent a return to drinking.2 This medication is prescribed as an oral tablet that is taken 3 times per day.3
Some may know acamprosate by the brand name, Campral; however, Campral was discontinued as of the date of this article, and the medication is now available only as a generic.
What Is Acamprosate Used For?
Acamprosate is used to help prevent relapse for those in alcohol addiction recovery. The medication is suited for those who have stopped drinking and are motivated to not drink again.2
This means that before starting acamprosate, people have completed detoxification (if needed) and are abstinent from alcohol.2
Acamprosate alone will not comprehensively treat alcohol use disorder. Instead, a whole-person treatment approach will be used to more effectively treat AUD.4
Current treatment approaches for substance use disorders often combine both addiction treatment medications and behavioral therapies to address the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction.3
How Does Acamprosate Work?
Acamprosate works by balancing certain neurotransmitters in the brain that have been disrupted as a result of chronic alcohol addiction.2
Though the mechanism through which this occurs is not well understood, it is thought that by balancing inhibitory and excitatory brain cell signaling, acamprosate can reduce the symptoms of protracted abstinence to make a return to drinking less likely.1
While it does not prevent withdrawal, acamprosate can be initiated during or shortly after medical detox to reduce some of the more long-lasting withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol abstinence.1,3
For example, the treatment team may begin administering acamprosate on a person’s 5th day of abstinence, with the medication building to full effectiveness over the course of the next 5 to 8 days.3
Acamprosate Side Effects
As with any medication, there are potential side effects with acamprosate. Side effects will vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any. Common side effects include:5
- Mild diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Upset stomach.
Other less common side effects include:5
- Nervousness.
- Sleep problems.
- Depressed mood.
- Thoughts of self harm.
Despite the side effects, there are many benefits to taking acamprosate, and your healthcare provider can help weigh the pros and cons in developing a treatment plan that is optimal for you.
Benefits of Acamprosate
The potential benefits of acamprosate include:1
- Reduction in protracted withdrawal symptoms.
- Reduction in potential for relapse.
- Increased days of abstinence.
- Good safety profile for use in people with liver disease.
Medications for treating substance use disorders, including acamprosate for alcohol addiction, can be a crucial part of rehab for many people.6
While they do not cure AUD, they treat certain physiological aspects of alcohol dependence that arise at the point that drinking stops. This, in turn, reduces the potential for relapse and makes it more likely for someone to remain in treatment.4
The benefits of acamprosate make it a first-line pharmacological treatment for AUD, particularly severe alcohol addiction.6
How Long Does Acamprosate Treatment Last?
The duration of acamprosate treatment is often 6 months or longer.5 However, you should consult with your healthcare provider, as the duration depends on your individual needs and specific treatment plan. Consulting with your physician regarding any questions you have about acamprosate is important.
In addition, it is important to not stop taking acamprosate on your own. Speak with your healthcare provider first as they are the only ones who can establish the length of treatment best suited for you; length of treatment depends on factors like how long you have sustained abstinence and the level of reduction in cravings.5
Does Insurance Cover Acamprosate?
Yes, you may have health insurance that covers rehab. According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies are required to provide some level of coverage for mental health services, which the ACA considers to be essential health benefits (EHBs).7
Thus, most insurance plans do provide some level of coverage for addiction treatment. The cost for rehab and addiction medications will vary from person to person, depending on the specific insurance plan and treatment needs.
Therefore, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company and verify what treatment your plan covers. You can also contact Desert Hope Treatment Center at , and we can help verify your health insurance benefits.
Acamprosate for Alcohol Addiction in Las Vegas
It is never too late to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. Desert Hope Treatment Center, an inpatient rehab in Las Vegas, provides multiple levels of addiction treatment to meet your needs. These include:
- Medical detox.
- Inpatient rehab.
- Partial hospitalization programs.
- Intensive outpatient rehab.
There are different ways to treat addiction, and we are proud to offer various methods at all of our levels of care, including addiction medications and evidence-based therapy strategies.
Desert Hope Treatment Center is also proud to offer specialized treatment programs for Veterans, first responders, those of the LGBTQI+ population, and those dealing with trauma.
The overall treatment process begins with medical detox if you have a physical dependence on alcohol.6 Then, you participate in the appropriate level of addiction rehab treatment as assessed by a licensed mental health provider.
After you complete a rehab program, our case managers can help connect you with aftercare best suited for you—this can be a combination of peer support, weekly individual outpatient counseling, or a sober living environment.
Addiction treatment is effective in helping people reduce their alcohol use and problems associated with alcohol.6 Most people who remain in treatment stop or reduce their use and improve their overall functioning.6
If you are concerned about your alcohol use or that of a loved one, call us today at . Our rehab admissions navigators can help verify your insurance or discuss other ways to cover the cost of treatment.
We are here 24/7 and can answer questions and help connect you with a rehab program best suited for you. We look forward to hearing from you.