Does Campral Help With Anxiety?

Acamprosate is a drug used for the medication-assisted treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is sold under the trade name Campral. Acamprosate offers a comparatively fresh approach to treating the condition of alcohol addiction, in contrast to the several other drugs currently utilized for AUD.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Despite its normalization in cultures across the globe, alcohol is one of the most commonly abused and most harmful substances we consume. Many of us drink alcohol regularly and many of us know or have met someone who has a serious alcohol addiction. A study in 2019 showed that 25.8 percent of people ages 18 and older reportedly engaged in heavy binge drinking. In the same year, the NSDUH estimated that 14.5 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder (AUD). Whether having a drink with friends at the pub, with co-workers at a social function, or on a date, alcohol is one of the few drugs that are commonplace amongst almost everyone. The effects of alcohol consumption at any “dosage” prove to be harmful; however, occasional social drinking is not considered AUD. Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism, is defined by a hindered ability to quit or control alcohol use, especially when such use presents negative social, financial, and health consequences.

What Is Campral?

Acamprosate, sold as Campral, is a drug used to treat alcoholism and alcohol dependency. Most often recommended at two weeks post-detox, it is taken in doses of two 333 mg pills three times each day. Diarrhea, anxiety, allergic responses, and suicidal thoughts are noted adverse effects of Campral. When used as instructed, it is regarded as safe and reliable and can pair with naltrexone to further enhance the cessation of alcoholism. Treatment usually starts five days after someone stops drinking. Campral can be started during medical detox, although it does not assist with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

How Does Campral Help Anxiety?

Campral (acamprosate) functions by reestablishing the brain’s normal chemical and neurotransmitter balance, which helps to lessen alcohol cravings. The anxiety that often accompanies recently regained sobriety has also been observed to be attended to by Campral by reducing cravings in patients.

It is a drug designed particularly to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness in patients undergoing treatment for alcoholism as well as to help them control urges.

Campral is considered being safe for long-term usage, non-addictive, and does not seem to lend itself to misuse. It does, however, have adverse effects that likely differ from person to person, so it’s vital to speak with a doctor if symptoms persist. A treatment program that includes counseling, behavior therapy, and potentially other medicative assistance should also be utilized in combination with Campral. All this combined will lessen alcohol cravings while assisting people in managing daily anxiety.

We Can Help You Overcome

If you or a loved one is currently battling alcohol addiction, we can help. We have the means and motivation to help our patients overcome addictions. If Campral is a viable option, we can create a medication-assisted treatment plan that suits your needs.