According to new research, people who receive medical help such as Medication-Assisted Treatment are less likely to suffer from liver failure or other diseases caused by alcohol abuse. People with AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) who use MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) are less likely to develop alcohol-related liver disease.

What Medications Were Used For People With AUD?

All of the participants in the study were on three or more medications that are prescribed off-label for alcohol use disorder. Alongside these prescriptions, they also attended traditional therapy or treatment.

These medications in the study used to treat AUD were:

  • Disulfiram: A drug that makes alcohol users feel sick, similar to a hangover, after consuming even a tiny amount of alcohol. The effects are almost immediate and make drinking unpleasant.
  • Acamprosate: This drug has been found to help reduce cravings for alcohol. It does not, however, stop withdrawal symptoms.
  • Naltrexone: Primarily used for opioids, naltrexone can help reduce cravings to drink even if a person is in withdrawal.
  • Gabapentin: This drug primarily helps with neurological pain and severe anxiety when prescribed off-label.
  • Baclofen: This is a popular and low-harm drug that helps people relax their muscles. It can help people suffering from pain and stiffness or muscle spasms like those during withdrawal.
  • Topiramate: Used off-label for alcohol use disorder; this is an anti-seizure medication usually prescribed for people with epilepsy. In some European countries, it is prescribed to help people reduce the amount they drink. Some studies support it as a stop-drinking aid.

Not all medications are recommended in the United States, but there are studies about some of them and their use for AUD. All study participants were also seeking addiction treatment through therapy. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) usually is recommended alongside therapy.

Medical Outcomes For People With AUD

People with Alcohol Use Disorder took advantage of MAT alongside therapy to help them stay sober from alcohol. Those who took medication were less likely to relapse and later be diagnosed with Alcoholic Liver Disease. Alcohol-related diseases are common among lifelong drinkers. Acamprosate was a drug that seemed to be particularly effective in preventing relapse.

Gabapentin, Topiramate, and Naltrexone were associated with the best outcomes. Each year a person stays consistently sober, their liver is more likely to stay healthy.