- Offices located in Norristown, Philadelphia, and King of Prussia, PA
Accepting new patients in Norristown, King of Prussia, and Philadelphia
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic brain disease characterized by an inability to control alcohol use despite negative consequences. The disorder involves multiple pathways and parts of the brain, and the addiction cycle is typically divided into three stages, and where medications impact the brain is key for optimal treatment.
Dr. Watson utilizes a specialized treatment strategy combining Direct Physician Care, Medication Assisted Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder, and Counseling or Psychotherapy.
These medications work by targeting different pathways and neurotransmitters involved in the addiction cycle, helping to manage the symptoms and reduce the likelihood of relapse. There is a science to sobriety, understanding how addiction effects the brain is vital for improved treatment outcomes.
Some available medications are not listed. Some medications may be better for your individual use case than others and may even be layered for a tailored approach. Please consult with Dr. Watson to learn the best medication for AUD approach for you.
Useful in the binge portion of the addiction cycle; this medication blocks opioid receptors involved in the rewarding effects of alcohol, reducing the pleasure associated with drinking.
Treatment Description:
Naltrexone is a medicine that helps people who have trouble with drinking too much alcohol or using certain drugs. It works by making the body not feel the good effects that usually come from these things, which helps people not to use them. People can take it as a pill every day or get a shot from a doctor once a month. It’s important for people taking this medicine to have stopped using opioids (the certain drugs discussed earlier) for a little while first because it can make them feel very sick if they haven’t. Doctors help to make sure it’s safe for each person to use this medicine. FDA approved for treatment of AUD.
Brand Name: Revia, Vivitrol | Generic Name: Naltrexone | Street Name: There is no common street name for Naltrexone.
Treatment Frequency: Daily when taken orally as Revia, or once a month through injection as Vivitrol.
Administration Site: Oral administration can be done at home, whereas injections are typically administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting.
Administration Type: Oral (tablet), or injection (extended-release).
Useful in the binge portion of the addiction cycle; Disulfiram creates an aversive reaction to alcohol consumption, which can help reduce the compulsion to drink.
Treatment Description:
Disulfiram is a medicine that helps people stop drinking alcohol. If someone takes this medicine and then drinks alcohol, they will feel very sick. This helps them remember to not drink. It’s a pill that people take every day to help them stay away from alcohol. Doctors watch over the people taking this medicine to make sure they are safe and healthy. FDA approved for alcohol dependence treatment.
Brand Name: Antabuse | Street Name: no common street name
Treatment Frequency: Typically administered daily
Administration Site: Usually taken at home, self-administered
Administration Type: Oral (tablet form)
Useful in the withdrawal stage of the alcohol addiction cycle; Gabapentin can alleviate withdrawal symptoms by modulating GABA and glutamate neurotransmission.
Treatment Description:
Gabapentin is a medicine that helps stop seizures and pain from damaged nerves. Doctors also use it for people who drink too much alcohol and want to stop. This isn’t the main reason it was made, but it can help these people by making them feel less need for alcohol. When using it for alcohol, doctors check carefully to make sure it will help patients without causing new problems, like making someone too sleepy. People who take gabapentin for this reason usually take it a few times a day, just like when it’s used for seizures or nerve pain. Off-label use for treatment of AUD.
Brand Name: Neurontin, Gralise, Gabarone | Generic Name: Gabapentin | Street Name: Sometimes referred to as “gabbies” or “johnnies” on the street.
Treatment Frequency: Generally taken up to three times a day. Dosage and frequency for AUD can vary based on an individual patient’s needs and a doctor’s prescription.
Administration Site: Self-administered at home.
Administration Type: Oral (capsule, tablet, or liquid form).
Useful in the craving portion of the addiction cycle; Acamprosate helps stabilize chemical balance in the brain, reducing protracted withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Treatment Description:
Acamprosate is a medicine that helps people who have stopped drinking alcohol and don’t want to drink again. When someone drinks a lot for a long time, it can mess up how their brain works. Acamprosate helps to fix this problem. People who take this medicine will use it three times a day using pills. Doctors also help by talking to these people, which makes it easier for them to not drink alcohol. FDA approved for alcohol use disorder treatment. Off-label treatment for AUD.
Brand Name: Campral | Generic Name: Acamprosate Calcium | Street Name: There is no common street name for Acamprosate.
Treatment Frequency: Typically taken three times a day, with each dose usually being two tablets.
Administration Site: Self-administered at home.
Administration Type: Oral (tablet form).
Useful in the craving portion of the addiction cycle; Topiramate affects GABA and glutamate neurotransmission and has been shown to reduce cravings and heavy drinking.
Treatment Description:
Topiramate is a medicine that helps people who have seizures (like in epilepsy) or who get migraines a lot. Doctors also give it to some people who have trouble with drinking too much alcohol, but it’s not what the medicine was made to do. People take this medicine usually twice a day through pills. It helps by calming down the nerves in the brain so they don’t send out too many signals at once. This helps stop seizures and headaches, and it might help people not want to drink alcohol too much. When taking this medicine, doctors keep an eye on the people to make sure it’s helping them and not causing problems. Off-label use for treating AUD.
Brand Name: Topamax, Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR | Generic Name: Topiramate | Street Name: There is no common street name for Topiramate.
Treatment Frequency:
Administration Site: Self-administered at home.
Administration Type: Oral (tablet or capsule).
Treatment Description:
Baclofen is a medicine mainly used to help relax tight and painful muscles in people with diseases like multiple sclerosis, a disease where the body hurts itself. Doctors also sometimes give it to people who have trouble drinking too much alcohol. This is not what the medicine was first made for, but some doctors believe it can help these people feel better by reducing their need for alcohol. When using it for this reason, doctors are very careful and keep a close eye on how it’s working and how the person is feeling. Off-label use for treating alcohol use disorder.
Brand Name: Lioresal, Gablofen | Generic Name: Baclofen | Street Name: There is no common street name for Baclofen.
Treatment Frequency:
Administration Site: Self-administered at home.
Administration Type: Oral (tablet), or injection (for severe spasticity).
Your journey to recovery begins with a comprehensive assessment. During this initial evaluation, we take the time to understand your medical history, current challenges, and treatment preferences. Your information is handled with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Our treatment approach is grounded in evidence-based modalities proven to be effective in AUD recovery. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and strategies to overcome AUD successfully.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a crucial role in AUD recovery. Dr. Watson may prescribe medications like naltrexone or disulfiram to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT provides a holistic approach to your recovery.
We believe in treating the whole person. In addition to medical and psychological treatment, we incorporate holistic practices that encompass nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Our goal is to help you achieve a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
of adult Americans received any type of treatment
for Alcohol Use Disorder in the past year.
of 29 Million Americans suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder are taking advantage of the benefits of Medication for AUD.
Medications for AUD are a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan, which often includes behavioral therapy and support groups. They can significantly enhance the chances of successful recovery by reducing cravings, managing withdrawal symptoms, and preventing relapse. Despite their proven effectiveness, safety, and affordability, these medications remain underutilized, with less than 1% of patients with AUD being offered this treatment option.
