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alcoholic recovery-ReVia question
by txwife, Apr 20, 2007 12:00AM
My husband is attempting recovery. He is currently taking ReVia but drank yesterday. While he may not feel the effects of getting drunk because of the medications, could they still have the same effect on his brain. Specifically, when he would get drunk, he would pick fights (about anything and everything). Last night he was on a tear and it reminded me of his drunk rants. I only assume that the alcohol has the same effect on your body, even if your brain doesnt realize it. Could that be the case or would it more likely be the anxiety of not drinking and his lack of coping skills in an otherwise stressful daily life? Any light someone could shed is helpful.
Member Comments (1)
by DutchessGolden, Apr 20, 2007 12:00AM
To: txwife
ReVia is naltrexone which is an opiate antagonist. It blocks the effects of opiates and as of 1994 has been used in the recovery process for alcoholism. Alcohol has recently(past 20 years) been found to work on some of the same pleasure centers in the brain as opiates. So it blocks the "high" of opiates and alcohol. While it is not impossible to become intoxicated while on naltrexone, it is very difficult to do so. Your husband is most likely having withdrawal symptoms as the drug blocks the action of alcohol even if he drinks it.He might want to talk to his doctor about something he can take with the naltrexone to lessen the withdrawal as alcohol withdrawal is etremely dangerous. It is currently the most dangerous withdrawal of any other drugs including opiates(heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone etc) and benzodiazepines like xanax, ativan, and valium. As a matter of fact many herion and other opiate addicts turn to alcohol after opiates. When their brains are examined after death, there is no way to tell the difference between an alcoholics brain and an opiate addicts brain. Unfortunately the group least likely to benefit from naltrexone are men with severe and ongoing alcohol dependence. However, naltrexone has been found to have a higher success rate when combined with acamprosate than either drug alone. Men especially should be getting counseling and other help with naltrexone treatment. I hope thisis helpful xoxo- D.
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