Which pharmacotherapy is used to reduce alcohol consumption and increase abstinence?

Which pharmacotherapy is used to reduce alcohol consumption and increase abstinence?

• A. Naltrexone
• B. Acamprosate
• C. Disulfiram
• D. Topiramate

Answer: (B)

Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence after a person has stopped drinking by reducing withdrawal-related cravings and the risk of relapse. It likely works by stabilizing glutamatergic signaling in the brain during protracted withdrawal, which lowers the urge to drink and supports staying alcohol-free. This makes it especially useful for patients who have completed detox and are aiming to remain abstinent, rather than for acute reduction of drinking or rapid deterrence. Other medications in this set have different primary roles. For example, naltrexone dampens the rewarding effects of alcohol and can reduce heavy drinking, but its main use isn’t solely abstinence maintenance. Disulfiram creates an aversive reaction if alcohol is consumed, functioning as a deterrent rather than a relapse-prevention aid. Topiramate can help reduce drinking in some individuals, but acamprosate has the strongest evidence for increasing sustained abstinence after detox.

Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence after a person has stopped drinking by reducing withdrawal-related cravings and the risk of relapse. It likely works by stabilizing glutamatergic signaling in the brain during protracted withdrawal, which lowers the urge to drink and supports staying alcohol-free. This makes it especially useful for patients who have completed detox and are aiming to remain abstinent, rather than for acute reduction of drinking or rapid deterrence.

Other medications in this set have different primary roles. For example, naltrexone dampens the rewarding effects of alcohol and can reduce heavy drinking, but its main use isn’t solely abstinence maintenance. Disulfiram creates an aversive reaction if alcohol is consumed, functioning as a deterrent rather than a relapse-prevention aid. Topiramate can help reduce drinking in some individuals, but acamprosate has the strongest evidence for increasing sustained abstinence after detox.