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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment To Stop Possible Alcohol Addiction

Hi my name is Robert Smith, and I am struggling with alcoholism. I am 32 yrs. old I have been drinking heavily for three years. Not to relax, but to forget some stresses. I have started to show signs of addiction, with the shakes and anxious feeling. I was given numbers to call, but I am having a hard time with insurance. Its getting to the point where I don't see a reason to quit if no ones willing to help me. I cant seem to find a provider that is willing to work with my financial issues. I know there is a pill that will help with cravings. Is that something I can get over the table? please help me with my issues.
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Alcohol is a brain depressant substance and have very high dependence potential. Regular alcohol intake makes an individual dependent on it and if use is stopped severe withdrawal symptoms are seen. The symptoms like shakes, anxiety feelings etc you are having are most probably occurring due to withdrawal. So this is the time you should think to quitting the use.

In most of individuals when an individual quit the alcohol cold turkey medicines like benzodiazepines are used. Chlordiazepoxide, Lorazepam etc are used commonly. The doses of these drugs are adjusted depending upon alcohol use and then reduced progressively over 5-7 days. To reduce the craving after acute phase of detoxification medicines like Acamprosate, Topiramate, Naltrexone etc are used. These medicines help to reduce the craving for the drug and thus result in successful detoxification. So don't waste the time and visit a doctor. Don't try to use the drugs by own at home as this might worsen the situation.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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Suggest Treatment To Stop Possible Alcohol Addiction

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Alcohol is a brain depressant substance and have very high dependence potential. Regular alcohol intake makes an individual dependent on it and if use is stopped severe withdrawal symptoms are seen. The symptoms like shakes, anxiety feelings etc you are having are most probably occurring due to withdrawal. So this is the time you should think to quitting the use. In most of individuals when an individual quit the alcohol cold turkey medicines like benzodiazepines are used. Chlordiazepoxide, Lorazepam etc are used commonly. The doses of these drugs are adjusted depending upon alcohol use and then reduced progressively over 5-7 days. To reduce the craving after acute phase of detoxification medicines like Acamprosate, Topiramate, Naltrexone etc are used. These medicines help to reduce the craving for the drug and thus result in successful detoxification. So don t waste the time and visit a doctor. Don t try to use the drugs by own at home as this might worsen the situation. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.