April 11, 2025
Wondering if there’s a drug to help you stop drinking? Discover how medications, therapy, and support programs can help you recover from addiction.
Quitting alcohol isn’t easy, and if you’re here, you’re probably wondering the same thing many people ask: “is there a drug to help you stop drinking?”
The good news is, yes, there are medications that can help make the process easier. This approach is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and it combines medication with counseling, behavioral therapies, and peer support.
MAT is an evidence-based, whole-person approach that supports individuals in their journey to recovery by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. While it's not a quick fix, it can play a crucial role in helping you manage cravings, ease withdrawal, and improve your chances of long-term recovery.
But here’s the thing, taking medicine works best when it’s combined with the right kind of support. In places like Portland, Oregon, there are many addiction treatment programs that can help guide you, whether it’s a High-Intensity Outpatient Program (HIOP) or a regular outpatient program.
Let’s talk about your options and how these treatments can help you take back control of your life.
Finding the right support to quit alcohol can feel overwhelming. There are medications approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that can help support you while you work on getting better.
So, is there a drug to help you stop drinking? Yes! These medications aren’t a cure, but they can make things easier by helping with cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or by making alcohol less enjoyable. Here are the most common ones your doctor might talk to you about:
Naltrexone helps by blocking the part of your brain that feels good after drinking. This means alcohol won’t feel as rewarding, and it can help you fight off cravings.
Disulfiram works a little differently. It causes uncomfortable reactions like feeling sick or getting a headache if you drink alcohol while taking it. It’s like a reminder for your body to stay away from alcohol.
Acamprosate helps your brain heal after you stop drinking. It can help with symptoms like feeling anxious, moody, or having trouble sleeping, things that can happen when your body is adjusting to life without alcohol.
Just remember, these medications work best when you also have support from professionals who understand what you’re going through. If you’re looking for addiction treatment Portland, there are programs ready to help you with guidance, care, and the tools you need for long-term recovery.
Taking medication can help you stop drinking, but it’s important to know that medicine alone isn’t a complete solution. It’s just one part of a bigger recovery plan that helps you heal your mind, body, and lifestyle.
Medications can help manage cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and make alcohol less appealing, but real recovery involves addressing the root causes of addiction.
Alcohol use, even if it starts casually, can quickly become harmful. Over time, it can lead to serious health issues, like liver damage or heart problems, and strain relationships, affecting both your personal life and work.
In most addiction treatment Portland in Oregon programs, medications are combined with other types of support. This might include talking to a counselor, joining group therapy, or learning new ways to cope with stress and triggers.
It’s important to get help with the mental and emotional side of recovery, not just the physical side. Having people to guide you and listen to you makes a huge difference in staying on track.
Some people also join something called a High-Intensity Outpatient Program (HIOP). This is a treatment program that gives you strong, structured support, kind of like rehab, but you still get to live at home and keep up with work or family life.
In an HIOP, you’ll usually attend sessions several times a week, where you’ll work with counselors and join group discussions.
You’ll get a treatment plan made just for you, which might include medications to help you manage cravings and symptoms. Along with that, you’ll learn new skills to cope with stress, deal with difficult emotions, and stay sober in real-life situations.
Every recovery journey looks different, and some people may need more support than others. But the right combination of medication, therapy, and support will give you the tools to take steps toward a healthier and happier life. You don’t have to do it alone.
Choosing professional treatment for alcohol addiction can make a big difference in your recovery journey. Portland addiction treatment centers focus on giving you the right support, and here's how they help you along the way:
One of the biggest benefits of professional addiction treatment is the personalized care you receive. Rehab centers create treatment plans specifically for you, taking into account your needs, challenges, and goals. They’ll help you figure out the best combination of medications and therapies, so you get the support that works for you. This way, you’re not getting a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s all about what will help you the most.
While medications can help, therapy plays a huge role in recovery too. Counseling, especially behavioral therapy, helps you understand the reasons behind your drinking and how to deal with those triggers. With the right therapy, you’ll learn healthier ways to cope with stress and emotions, which is key to staying sober long-term.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) offer a great way to balance flexibility with intensive therapeutic interventions. This approach allows individuals to receive the support they need, while still being able to maintain their personal and professional responsibilities, making recovery more manageable and sustainable.
Recovery isn’t something you have to do alone. In treatment, you’ll have access to group therapy, recovery meetings, and aftercare programs that keep you connected with others who understand what you’re going through. These support networks can help you stay motivated, share experiences, and find strength in your recovery community.
Getting over alcohol addiction isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Treatment in Portland can give you the support you need, combining medication with therapy and support from others to help you succeed.
Medications can make it easier by reducing cravings, but they work best when paired with counseling and group support. It’s all about creating a plan that fits your needs and helps you move toward recovery step by step.
If you're ready to start your journey to a better life, reach out to Another Chance today. We’re here to help you take that first step and support you every step of the way.
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