Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are the three FDA-approved options for alcohol use disorder. Each drug works differently. A clinician helps you pick the right fit. They look at your goals and health history. They also check your other meds and safety needs. Other drugs may be used off-label or are still being studied.
Our editorial team runs a U.S. treatment directory. We do not provide treatment. This guide gives general info to help you talk with a doctor.
Meds for alcohol use disorder support ongoing care. They do not reverse intoxication. You should not use them to manage withdrawal at home. If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, call 911 now. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder: Core Info
Alcohol use disorder has an evidence-based treatment option called medication.[1] Here, we compare the main kinds of medicine. This helps you prepare questions for your doctor. It is not a tool for you to select or switch your own medicine. Discuss your goals and health history with a clinician.
The FDA cleared three drugs for alcohol use disorder: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.[2] While other choices are out there, only these three have that specific approval.
These drugs are not meant for urgent situations. They do not manage acute intoxication or withdrawal. If you spot signs of severe withdrawal or suspect alcohol poisoning, call for emergency help right now. For other withdrawal worries, speak with a healthcare professional soon. Think of these medications as part of steady care, not a quick fix.
3
medications are FDA-approved specifically for AUD[2]
See Approved, Off-Label, and Investigational Choices
Medications for alcohol use disorder fall into three buckets by their regulatory status. The FDA has cleared the approved ones for this condition. Off-label options treat other issues but may be used for AUD. Investigational medicines are in clinical trials for AUD. Some of these trial drugs may already be approved for other health problems, even if not for alcohol use disorder. This breakdown helps you ask smart questions at your visit.
| Medication or Category | FDA Status | General Purpose | Clinician Discussion Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naltrexone | FDA-Approved | Reduces the likelihood of return to drinking and heavy drinking.[1] | Discuss how it fits your liver health and pain needs, and confirm you are not using opioids.[1][3] |
| Disulfiram | FDA-Approved | Causes a bad reaction if you drink alcohol.[4] | Talk about strict rules to avoid all alcohol-containing products and the risk of a disulfiram-ethanol reaction.[4][5] |
| Investigational Agents | In Trials Only | Being tested for safety and effectiveness for AUD in research. | Ask about trial availability if you want to join research. |
Medicines Cleared by the FDA
The three approved medications play distinct roles. Naltrexone is linked to a lower chance of resuming drinking or heavy use.[1] Acamprosate is tied to a reduced likelihood of returning to drinking.[1] Disulfiram causes bad physical reactions if you drink, using that risk to stop you.[4] These drugs are not the same. Your specific health profile determines the best fit, not just a side-by-side list. If acamprosate sounds like the right fit, our guide to acamprosate for alcohol use disorder covers who benefits most. If naltrexone looks like the better match for your situation, our guide to naltrexone for alcohol use disorder details its side effects. If you are weighing the two naltrexone forms, our guide to naltrexone injection vs oral explains the dosing differences.
Drugs Used Off-Label
A clinician might suggest an off-label medication such as gabapentin or topiramate.[6] This does not mean the drug is unsafe or experimental. It simply lacks specific FDA approval for AUD, though evidence backs its use in some cases. Your provider will review your medical history and available data to see if this path works for you. This guide does not rank one drug above another because individual results vary widely.
Trial Drugs and the “New Drug” Issue
News or online posts may share news of fresh drugs for alcohol use disorder. It is vital to know if a drug is still in trials or has full FDA approval. As of June 2024, the FDA-approved medications specifically indicated for alcohol use disorder remain naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.[2] Before trusting claims of a breakthrough, check its status with your provider or FDA records. Do not treat it as an established standard of care until you verify it.
These drugs help control ongoing AUD symptoms. They differ from treatments for acute withdrawal. Check our guide on medications for alcohol withdrawal for safe handling of immediate physical effects. Short-term safety is the focus of withdrawal management. Long-term recovery goals are supported by AUD medication.
Choosing the Right Drug for Your Needs
No one drug works best for every person. A clinician helps you find a match based on your health record and treatment aims. Studies show that quitting or drinking less both cut the risk of death. These are solid goals to explore.[7]
- State your goal. Tell your clinician what you hope treatment will help with, such as cutting back on drinks or stopping entirely.
- Review your health history. Share details about other health conditions, current medicines, supplements, and any past use of opioids.
- Discuss options and risks. Ask which treatments may fit your situation and what side effects or interactions need watching. You can learn more about managing medication side effects to prepare for this part of the chat.
- Agree on follow-up. Decide how to reach your clinician if problems arise and when you will review how the plan is working.
If you have a history of opioid use, it is critical to mention it before starting certain medications. See our guide on naltrexone safety with opioid history to learn why this detail is so important.
What Should I Bring Up With a Clinician?
This self-check helps you prepare questions for your doctor. It is not a diagnosis and does not choose a medication for you.
Topics to Cover Before Starting Meds
Your clinician needs your health history and goals to pick the right medication. Clear details at your visit help them choose safely. Focus on these key topics.
Important Safety Questions
Be honest about any opioid use or history. Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, so taking opioids or trying to overcome the block can lead to overdose or death.[3] Do not start naltrexone until a clinician has assessed your recent opioid use and confirmed it is safe, including any needed opioid-free interval. Never start this medication on your own. Read our guide on naltrexone safety with opioid history to learn more. Once you are cleared to start, our guide to insurance coverage for naltrexone explains how to verify your specific benefits.
Tell your doctor about any kidney problems. Severe renal impairment means acamprosate is contraindicated.[8]
If disulfiram is discussed, you must steer clear of any products or food with alcohol. This includes alcoholic beverages, medications like cough syrup, and other items such as mouthwash, aftershave, and certain sauces or condiments.[5] Continue avoiding these products for several weeks after stopping the drug.[5] If you accidentally consume alcohol and experience a severe reaction, seek emergency care immediately.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. The CDC says no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy and recommends full abstinence.[9] Your provider will help find the best path for your situation.
Check our guide on talking to your clinician for extra tips on getting ready to talk.
Before Your Medication Visit
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AUD Drugs Are Not for Urgent Situations
Drugs for alcohol use disorder (AUD) aid long-term recovery. They are not meant for emergency situations. Acute alcohol intoxication is not reversed by these drugs. If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, call 911 now. Alcohol overdose can put a person's life in jeopardy.[10]
Long-term AUD care is a separate medical issue from acute withdrawal. Starting AUD treatment includes managing withdrawal. However, it is not an effective AUD treatment alone.[11] We do not provide a plan for home detox. If you are worried about withdrawal, speak with a healthcare professional about safe options. You can read more about medications for alcohol withdrawal in our dedicated guide on that topic.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call or text 988.
If you drink while on AUD medication, the next move varies by drug. If you take disulfiram and drink, or if you develop severe symptoms after drinking, seek emergency care immediately. Call your prescriber right away for other AUD meds. Do not stop or change your medication without medical advice. Your doctor can safely help you tweak your plan. Check our guide on the steps after a relapse for tips on managing this.
Always follow your prescriber's instructions on dosage and timing. Before you change your routine, ask your doctor or pharmacist how your medication interacts with alcohol or other substances. For tips on tracking progress with alcohol use disorder medication, see our guide to monitoring response and handling side effects.
Pairing Treatment with Therapy and Group Support
Medication is an evidence-based treatment option for alcohol use disorder.[1] Current medicines and behavioral treatments may help people cut back on alcohol or support abstinence.[12] Your clinician can talk with you about which options fit your goals and needs. To see how these pieces fit together, our guide to medication and therapy for alcohol walks through combining both approaches. For a closer look at how counseling pairs with these prescriptions, see our guide to mat for alcohol use disorder.
Evidence-based treatments for AUD include behavioral treatments like therapy, medication, and mutual support programs.[13] You can ask your clinician which options may fit your needs. If you are unsure where to start, our guide to behavioral signs of alcohol use disorder helps you spot early changes. If you want to understand how clinicians determine the severity of the condition, our guide to DSM 5 alcohol use disorder criteria explains the assessment process. If the idea of a formal evaluation feels overwhelming, our guide to fear of alcohol use disorder diagnosis addresses those concerns.
| Treatment Component | Possible Role in Care | Question to Discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | A treatment option to discuss as part of your plan.[1] | Which medication fits my health history and goals? |
| Counseling or Behavioral Treatment | An evidence-based treatment option.[13] | What type of therapy works best for my challenges? |
| Peer or Community Support | Can enhance engagement, reduce isolation, and promote self-efficacy.[14] | Are there local groups that meet at times I can attend? |
| Clinician Follow-Up | A chance to discuss your questions and how the plan fits your needs. | How often should I check in to review my progress? |
Peer support can help recovery by boosting engagement, lowering isolation, and building self-efficacy.[14] Ask your clinician how counseling and peer support might fit your daily life.
Finding a Doctor for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
Picking the right provider matters a lot. Your primary care clinician can start the process. You may also see an addiction medicine specialist or a psychiatrist. If you are in a treatment program, ask if they can manage your medical care.
- Pick who to call. Choose a primary care doctor, addiction specialist, or treatment program.
- Ask about their experience. Call and ask if they check for alcohol use disorder. Also ask if they talk about medication options.
- Bring your questions. Use the checklist from earlier in this guide. Ask about follow-up plans and other services they offer.
Check our guide on choosing a specialized alcohol program if you want more details. It covers the various levels of care. The SAMHSA National Helpline gives free, confidential help for substance use issues.[15] It also offers quick info and referrals. FindTreatment.gov lists local options. These are not sales lines. They share details and link you to care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common medications used to treat alcohol use disorder?
FDA-approved medication options for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.[2] There is no reliable current data identifying a single most commonly prescribed medication for AUD. Usage frequency differs from clinical fit, so the best option depends on your individual health history and goals. A broader plan may include medication, counseling, and mutual support.[1][13] Ask how your goals and health history affect the choice.
What are three medications that have been approved to treat alcohol use disorder?
What medication is commonly used to treat alcohol intoxication?
If someone may have alcohol poisoning, call 911 right away. Do not wait for someone to sleep it off. Signs can include confusion, vomiting, seizures, or trouble waking.[10]
What is the new drug for alcohol use disorder?
For any medication you hear about, check whether it has FDA approval for alcohol use disorder. Ask a clinician about the status of any option you hear about.
Are medications for AUD used alongside counseling?
What should I discuss about AUD medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or nursing. Ask about the risks and benefits for your case. The CDC says there is no safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy.[9] Do not start or stop meds on your own.
