Pills to Stop Drinking? Here Are The Facts About Alcohol MAT

Can medication really help you stop drinking? Dive into the science behind alcohol MAT and discover how these FDA-approved treatments can support recovery.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): A Medical Condition

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) isn’t just about drinking too much. It’s a chronic, progressive medical condition that affects the brain’s wiring, impacts decision-making, and often tears through careers, relationships, and personal health. If you’ve ever watched someone you love struggle—or have been there yourself—you know it’s more than just “bad habits” or “poor choices.” It’s real. It’s serious. And it’s treatable.

AUD involves a powerful combination of physical dependence and emotional patterns. Many people feel stuck in a loop of drinking to feel better, only to feel worse—and then drink again. But breaking that cycle doesn’t have to be done alone. And now, more than ever, the science of recovery is catching up to the struggle. There are FDA-approved pills to stop drinking that you can rely on for your recovery

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) refers to the use of FDA-approved medications, alongside therapy, to treat substance use disorders. For alcohol addiction, this means using specific medications to reduce cravings, discourage relapse, and support healing—while pairing them with therapy that tackles the emotional weight behind it all.

MAT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a tool—one that works best when combined with counseling, lifestyle support, and a safe recovery environment. For people who’ve tried to quit drinking “cold turkey” or have relapsed before, MAT offers a different path: one backed by clinical research and real-world success.

FDA-Approved Pills for Alcohol Addiction: How They Work

Currently, the FDA has approved three medications specifically for treating alcohol use disorder. Each works differently in the body and brain.

Naltrexone: Reducing Cravings and Rewards

Naltrexone might be the closest thing we have to an “anti-drinking pill.” This medication blocks opioid receptors in your brain, which:

• Reduces alcohol cravings
• Diminishes the pleasurable effects of drinking
• Helps prevent relapse to heavy drinking

Available as a daily pill (ReVia, Depade) or monthly injection (Vivitrol), naltrexone doesn’t make you sick if you drink. Instead, it simply makes drinking less enjoyable and easier to resist.

One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that naltrexone reduced the risk of heavy drinking by 83% compared to placebo. Many patients report that naltrexone helps them “just not think about alcohol as much.”

Acamprosate: Restoring Balance in the Brain

While naltrexone targets cravings and reward, acamprosate (brand name Campral) works differently. It helps restore normal brain function that’s been disrupted by chronic alcohol use.

Acamprosate seems to work on GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems – the brain’s main “excitatory” and “inhibitory” signals that alcohol throws out of balance. By stabilizing these systems, acamprosate:

• Reduces persistent withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness
• Decreases overall distress that often leads to relapse
• Supports long-term abstinence maintenance

Typically taken three times daily, acamprosate works best for people who have already stopped drinking and want to maintain abstinence.

Disulfiram: A Deterrent for Drinking

The oldest FDA-approved medication for AUD takes a completely different approach. Disulfiram (Antabuse) causes an immediate, intense negative reaction if you drink alcohol while taking it.

When combined with even small amounts of alcohol, disulfiram triggers:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushing and headache
• Racing heart
• Difficulty breathing

This reaction is so unpleasant that it serves as a powerful deterrent. The mere knowledge of what would happen if you drink while on disulfiram can help prevent impulsive drinking.

Disulfiram isn’t right for everyone. It works best for highly motivated individuals who have trouble with impulse control around alcohol.

Emerging Medications: Exploring New Possibilities

Beyond the three main options, researchers are testing other medications that might expand the toolbox for alcohol use disorder treatment:

• Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that may reduce cravings
• Topiramate: A seizure medication linked to decreased alcohol consumption
• Gabapentin: Often used for nerve pain or anxiety, showing promise for AUD
• Nalmefene: Similar to naltrexone but with a slightly different chemical structure 

While not yet FDA-approved for AUD, these drugs are being studied closely. Some may be prescribed off-label under professional guidance.

Combining MAT with Behavioral Therapy for Lasting Recovery

Medication alone isn’t the full answer. Pills for alcohol cravings can help calm the storm—but therapy helps you understand why the storm happens in the first place.

Why therapy matters:

• Addresses triggers, trauma, and coping skills
• Offers structure through programs like CBT or DBT
• Helps process guilt, shame, and relationship dynamics
• Builds emotional resilience for long-term sobriety 

At Skypoint Recovery, this dual-track approach—medication and behavioral therapy for addiction—is central to how we help clients heal. We don’t just suppress symptoms. We help people rebuild from the inside out.

Who Can Benefit from Alcohol MAT?

MAT isn’t for everyone. But for many, it’s a lifesaver. Especially those who:

• Have had multiple relapses
• Struggle with intense cravings or drinking triggers
• Live with dual diagnosis conditions like anxiety or PTSD
• Want to reduce drinking gradually rather than quit overnight
• Need support while maintaining a job or caring for family

If you’re wondering whether MAT might help you or someone you care about, the first step is a conversation. No judgment. Just clarity.

Skypoint Recovery Can Help

Here in Akron, Skypoint Recovery offers support that meets you where you are—whether you’re brand new to treatment or ready to try a different way. Our team helps you figure out which program is the right fit and how to cover the cost, including Medicaid insurance or other payment options. We make the process human, because healing is personal.

We understand the hesitation, the uncertainty, and the fear that comes with asking for help. But we also know what’s possible when people get the right support.

If you’re ready to try something different—something backed by science, delivered with empathy—Skypoint Recovery is ready to walk with you.

Call us today at 855-612-3488 or fill out our confidential online form to learn more about alcohol use disorder treatment and personalized support through medication-assisted therapy.

Don’t wait for things to get worse. You’re allowed to start getting better—right now.