Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are the three FDA-approved drugs for alcohol use disorder. Every drug works in its own way. A clinician can help you find the best match. They will review your goals, health history, other meds, and safety needs. Other drugs may be used off-label or are still in studies. If cost is a concern, our guide to insurance coverage for naltrexone explains how to verify your prescription benefits.
Our editorial team runs a U.S. treatment directory. We do not provide treatment services. This guide gives general info to help you talk with a doctor.
These medicines help with long-term care for alcohol use disorder. They do not fix intoxication. Nor are they meant for handling 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: What You Need to Know
Medication is one evidence-based treatment option for alcohol use disorder.[1] This guide looks at the main types of medicine. It helps you get ready to ask your doctor questions. It is not a way for you to pick or change your own medicine. A clinician should talk with you about your goals and health history. If you are still deciding whether to seek help, our guide to talking with a healthcare professional about alcohol use can prepare you.
The FDA has given specific approval to three drugs for alcohol use disorder: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.[2] While other choices are out there, these are the only ones with that official status.
These drugs are not for urgent situations. They do not manage acute intoxication or withdrawal. Call for emergency help now if you spot signs of severe withdrawal or suspect alcohol poisoning. Reach out to a healthcare professional right away for other withdrawal issues. Think of these meds as part of steady care, not a quick fix.
3
medications are FDA-approved specifically for AUD[2]
Look at Approved, Off-Label, and Trial Medications
There are three groups of drugs for alcohol use disorder, based on how the FDA sees them. FDA-approved medicines have been cleared for this condition. Off-label options are cleared for other issues but may be used for AUD. Investigational medicines are in clinical trials for AUD. Some of these trial drugs may already be cleared for other medical conditions, even if they are not yet cleared for alcohol use disorder. Knowing these groups helps you ask good 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. |
Three Medications Cleared by the FDA
Each of the three approved medications serves a distinct role. Naltrexone is linked to less chance of resuming drinking or heavy use.[1] Acamprosate is linked to less chance of resuming drinking.[1] Disulfiram triggers bad physical signs if you consume alcohol, using that fear to stop you.[4] These drugs are not identical. The right choice depends on your unique health profile, not just a list comparison. If naltrexone is on your shortlist, our guide to naltrexone for alcohol use disorder explains how it works for cravings. If you are weighing the different ways to take it, our guide to naltrexone injection vs oral compares the two forms.
Medicines Used Off-Label
A clinician might consider an off-label medication like topiramate or gabapentin.[6] This does not mean the drug is unsafe or experimental. It simply has no specific FDA approval for AUD, yet evidence backs its use in some cases. Your provider will compare your medical history to current data to see if this route fits you. This guide does not recommend one drug over another because individual results vary widely.
Trial Drugs and the “New Drug” Query
You may hear about "new drugs" for alcohol use disorder in news or online posts. It is key to spot the gap between trial drugs and fully FDA approved ones. As of June 2024, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are the only FDA approved meds for alcohol use disorder.[2] Verify any breakthrough claim with your provider or FDA records first. Do not treat it as an established standard of care before verification.
These drugs help control ongoing AUD symptoms. They differ from treatments for acute withdrawal. Check our guide on medications for alcohol withdrawal to learn how to handle immediate physical effects safely. Short-term safety is the main focus of withdrawal management. AUD medication is meant to support long-term recovery goals.
Matching Medications to Your Treatment Goals
No single medication works for every person. A clinician can help you find a drug that fits your health history and your treatment aims. Research shows that staying sober or drinking less can cut the risk of death.[7] Both are fair goals to talk over.
- 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 point 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.
Talk Points Before Starting Meds
Which medication fits you depends on your health history and your goals. Sharing clear details at your visit helps your clinician pick a safe option. These are the main topics to talk through.
Safety Points to Raise
Share the full truth about any opioid use or past use. 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. Do not begin this medication by yourself. For more details, read our guide on naltrexone safety with opioid history.
Bring up any kidney problems too. Acamprosate is contraindicated in severe renal impairment.[8]
If disulfiram is on the table, you must steer clear of all alcohol in food and products. 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, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. The CDC notes that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy and urges full abstinence.[9] Your provider will walk through the best path for your case.
Visit our guide on talking to your clinician for extra tips on getting ready for this chat.
Before Your Medication Visit
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AUD Meds Are Not for Emergency Care
Medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD) focus on long-term recovery. They do not handle emergencies. These drugs cannot reverse acute alcohol intoxication. 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.
What you do after drinking while on AUD medication depends on which drug you use. If you take disulfiram and drink, or if you develop severe symptoms after drinking, seek emergency care immediately. For other AUD meds, reach out to your prescriber right away. Do not stop or change your medication without medical advice. Your doctor can help you adjust your plan safely. Check our guide on the steps after a relapse for advice on this situation.
Take your medication exactly as your prescriber told you. Before you change your routine, ask your doctor or pharmacist how it interacts with alcohol or other substances. For tips on tracking your response, see our guide to monitoring alcohol medication progress and preparing for follow-up visits.
Using Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder with Therapy
Medication is an evidence-based choice for treating alcohol use disorder.[1] Behavioral treatments and current medicines may help people cut back on drinking or stay abstinent.[12] Your clinician can talk with you about which options match your needs and goals.
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.
| 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, cutting down on isolation, and building self-efficacy.[14] Ask your clinician how counseling and peer support could fit into a plan that suits your daily life.
Where to Get a Clinician for Alcohol Use Disorder
Getting the right clinician is a big step. Your primary care clinician is a good place to start. A psychiatrist or addiction medicine specialist is also a good fit. If you are in a treatment program, ask if they can handle your medical care. For a closer look at how these pieces fit together, our guide to medication options for alcohol use disorder maps out a possible care sequence.
- 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.
For extra help, look at our guide on choosing a specialized alcohol program. It covers the different levels of care. The SAMHSA National Helpline offers quick info and referrals. It is a free, confidential service for people with substance use concerns.[15] FindTreatment.gov lets you browse local listings too. These are not sales lines. They share details and link you to care options.
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.
