Is it essential to inform the individual before administering anti-craving medications and aversion therapy for alcohol withdrawal?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am writing this query on behalf of my 41-year-old husband. He developed a habit of drinking at the age of 25, initially as occasional drinking. However, over the last two years, he has started drinking heavily, and it seems that alcohol has taken control of his life. His regular choices are rum, brandy, and beer, and he consumes an average of four to six pegs daily. Over the past six months, he has been drinking multiple times in a single day. I am concerned about his health and would like to help him break this habit. Unfortunately, he is very reluctant to seek formal de-addiction treatment, so I am considering getting him medication without his knowledge.

Is it safe for him to take a tablet of Disulfiram 250 mg or tablet Naltrexone 50 mg once a day? Are there any liquid medications that can help reduce his alcohol cravings? I am also exploring the possibility of incorporating medication into his food as a more discreet option. Are there any alternative medications that might work for him? He is a strong individual with a body weight of around 187 to 191 pounds and a height of about 5.9 feet. He does not smoke and has not had any health issues detected so far. I appreciate any advice or suggestions you can provide to help us overcome this challenging situation.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand both your concerns and those related to your husband's situation. It is possible that your husband is dealing with an alcohol use disorder, given his prolonged heavy alcohol consumption. It is crucial to avoid administering any medication to him without his knowledge, as doing so could result in severe side effects. The recommended course of action is to initiate a detoxification process for him, followed by potential treatments such as anti-craving medications like Naltrexone or aversion therapy with Disulfiram. These medications should only be administered under the supervision of medical professionals. I strongly recommend admitting him to the nearest psychiatric hospital or a specialized de-addiction center. Home-based treatment is not advisable in this case. If he continues to consume alcohol, it is unlikely that medication alone will effectively address his condition.

Please let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.