“The drugs don’t work, they just make you worse…”
— The Verve
Or do they?
Medication to stop drinking is something I never thought I’d need, not when I took my first pint. But if you’re here reading this, you probably know what it’s like to be scared you’ll drink again. Maybe tonight. Maybe this weekend. Or maybe you’ve already relapsed and it’s 2am, and you’re on Google, hoping there’s something — anything — that can help you stop.
Or maybe someone else has suggested it — your GP, your keyworker, your partner who still loves you and is still there wanting you to become the person you were. Maybe you’ve reached that point where you know something has to change. And now you’re wondering if medication to stop drinking could help.
I’ve been there. Late at night, full of anxiety searching. Being told I should go on it. Knowing it was needed – others hoping it would finally make a difference.
I’ve taken three of the main ones: Antabuse, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate. One nearly killed someone I knew. One gave me quiet clarity. One… didn’t do much.
None of them fixed me. But one helped me hold the line. And that was enough to build from. Not the cure but combined with other changes I talke about here – it’s helped.
I spoke recently with a guy recovering from a different substance. He said, “You’ve got no idea how lucky you are. We don’t have any meds.” It hit me — alcohol is one of the few addictions with licensed medications. That’s a privilege. More tools. More chances.
If you’re in the UK and wondering about medication to stop drinking, this post is for you.
Disclaimer: This is a personal experience — not medical advice. Always speak to your GP or specialist before starting, changing or stopping any medication.
Antabuse (Disulfiram): Fear-Based Sobriety
Antabuse doesn’t stop cravings. It just makes drinking dangerous. If you drink on it, the reaction is hellish — nausea, chest pain, seizures. I’ve known someone who had a heart attack and later died after drinking on it. It really is the extreme option and people have to be fully committed. Follow the directions to the letter.
Antabuse becomes a psychological game. People hide it, switch it for vitamins, skip doses so they can drink later – spat it out when no-one was looking. I researched when I could safely drink after stopping it. So in reality it didn’t really work on me. Maybe the wrong time, not ready to stop.
Even when committed, I hated what it took. Food became stress — I had to check sauces, skip desserts, avoid vinegar. Mouthwash? Hand sanitiser? Could trigger it. That constant scanning made me anxious. Cooking and food is my enjoyment when I don’t drink. Felt my last pleasure had also been effected.
It didn’t make me better. It just stopped the chaos for a bit. Still, it had visible effects — I looked healthier, calmer, even started dating again. Lovely woman who was out of my league – she liked the clean cut sober me. But I hadn’t really changed. Just pressed pause. Looking back though – some of my happiest moments in years were on Antabuse.
To me though? Barbaric. Reaction wise. Personally it did not work for me in the end.But maybe useful for some. With support in place.
Naltrexone: Quiet Relief
Naltrexone was different. No fear, no big side effects. Just one quiet shift — when I drank, the buzz was gone. Felt empty. Just peeing. I’ve taken it twice now, different phases. First time I did drink now and then. This time – no. I wanted a safety net incase but treat the underlying issues.
First time it helped. I could go out, look normal, stay in control. If I wanted to fit in to my incorrect perception of social normality. But a relapse later and it was stopped. This time I asked to go back on it. Felt with counselling, routine and being more determinded to turn life round I would take any help that was there.
Over time, cravings faded. Not gone — but manageable. More importantly, I was doing the work alongside it — routines, therapy, reflection.
I didn’t forget to take it. I forgot that I’d taken it. That’s how natural it felt. It let the other parts of my recovery settle in.
Hard part? It’s rarely prescribed in the UK. I had to push, and I work in the field. I’m the only one in my addictions service I know of who takes it. Most are pushed to Antabuse. Naltrexone feels… calmer. Gentler. Less punishment, more support. Hopefully here it becomes more widely used in a holistic recovery.
For me? It was the most effective. I recommend it when people ask me now. But I know I want to be on this drug for a very long time.
Acamprosate (Campral): The Maybe Pill
It’s meant to stabilise brain chemistry after you stop drinking. Ease the fog, reduce cravings, lift the anxiety. Sounds like medication to stop drinking alcohol that would help most.
For me? Nothing major. I took it properly for a few weeks — three times a day — but didn’t feel a shift. It might’ve helped in the background, but I stopped without realising. No harm, no impact. There was no real side effects at all and did not feel any real benefit.
But during my time, I have spoken to many people who say it has helped. When I look back, mostly people who had attended groups or all seeking help from a local charity. Possibly also a good tool to have, and the individuals taking it had been open to seeking help in counselling and groups. I think that’s the key if using it.
Does Medication to Stop Drinking Actually Work?
None of these saved me.
But two of them bought me time.
And in recovery? Time is gold.
- Antabuse: Forced sobriety, but exhausting and harsh. Made me anxious.
- Naltrexone: Quiet mental space. The most helpful. Helped new habits stick.
- Acamprosate: Possibly helpful — but not for me.
All three require you to be sober when you start. All leave the body differently. I was breathalysed before all three, Antabuse particularly I had to have days since last drink before given. None block relapse. If you want to drink, you still can. People find a way if they want to.
But if you’re ready and thinking of or wanting to stop?
They give you that vital pause.
And in that pause, you might just save your own life. At the same time starting a new one.
Final Thoughts
If someone’s told you to look into medication to stop drinking — or if you’ve just reached that point — you’re not weak. The complete opposite. You’re trying. Harder than you know.
And trying might be enough. Everyone need’s a little help sometimes after all.
💬 Used any of these yourself? Got questions? Want to share your story?
Drop a comment. Let’s talk honestly. You’re not alone in this.
