Alcohol and OTC meds to help?

Hi, I am trying to quit the urge to drink beer.  I am starting a three night course for several weeks, but I wanted to know if there is any natural or OTC meds that I can take to curve the desire.  Any clues? Opinions?

[ibizan]

I know of no herbal remedy or OTC to curb the alcohol craving...Campral does a nice job but it is prescription only.

[hungarian_doctor]

The mechanism of action of Campral® (acamprosate calcium) Delayed-Release Tablets in maintenance of alcohol abstinence is not completely understood. Originally, several neurotransmitter systems, including GABA, were investigated for a possible role in Campral's mechanism of action. However, recent evidence suggests Campral's main interaction is with the glutamate system. Chronic alcohol exposure is hypothesized to alter the normal balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. A glutamate receptor modulator, Campral is believed to act on the biochemical systems that are involved in alcohol dependence. Campral interacts with neurotransmitter systems and is hypothesized to restore the normal balance.

Campral's mechanism of action is different from that ascribed to currently available medications which either block the "high" associated with alcohol or induce vomiting if alcohol is ingested. It is the first medication to impact the biological processes of the disease. Campral alleviates the physiological and psychological distress during the post-acute withdrawal period, making it easier not to drink

[tommy47]

I accept the hypothetical nature of the "understanding" of Campral's mechanism. As far as I am concerned if  it works, fine!  However the Statistical results do not appear to be too promising.

I have been far more convinced by the long standing research using Naltrexone in the Sinclair Method. See eg The Combined Study..., RF Anton et al, Journal of the American Medical Asscn 295 (2006): 2003-2017.

I realise the concept of asking alcoholics to continue drinking is anathema to many but, what is the success rate of AA?

[Jacker]

did anyone read the date on this post?

[ibizan]

i did...is it leap year already?:)