Exploring the Connection Between Alcohol & Domestic Violence
Summary Alcohol impairs self-control, increases impulsivity, and can escalate conflicts—raising the risk of violent
June 17, 2025
Medically reviewed by Health Care Professional Robert Gerchalk, April 2025
Medications That Can Be Used to Support Alcohol Detox
Numerous medications can help with the detox process. Learn more about your options here—then call us for help.
Medications that May Help with Detox
Some medications may be used under medical supervision to manage symptoms of alcoholism, reduce alcohol cravings, or support recovery.
Disclaimer: Some medications (like Gabapentin, Seroquel, Hydroxyzine, Lorazepam, and Methadone) appear in both lists because they help with withdrawal but can be dangerous when combined with alcohol. They’re only safe after alcohol use has stopped, under medical supervision.
Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new medication, and take medications prescribed to you only as directed. Call us to connect with resources that can help you learn more or talk to your doctor.
Help reduce alcohol cravings or create negative reactions to alcohol.
- Antabuse / Disulfiram – Causes unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed.
- Naltrexone – Reduces alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking.
- Vivitrol – Long-acting injectable form of naltrexone.
Primarily used for opioid use disorder but sometimes involved in co-occurring substance treatment.
- Buprenorphine – Partial opioid agonist; used in Suboxone.
- Suboxone – Buprenorphine + naloxone; used for opioid dependency.
- Methadone – Full opioid agonist; rarely used in alcohol treatment, but may be involved in polydrug use cases.
May help with anxiety, mood stabilization, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Gabapentin – May ease alcohol withdrawal and reduce cravings.
Used to manage withdrawal symptoms like elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
- Clonidine – Reduces symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity (sweating, rapid heartbeat).
Used off-label to help with anxiety, sleep, or nausea during withdrawal.
- Hydroxyzine – Non-addictive, may be used for anxiety and nausea.
Support brain and nerve health, often depleted by chronic alcohol use.
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) – Essential to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in alcohol-dependent individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many common drugs that do not require a prescription—like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, and antihistamines—can interact with alcohol, increasing the risk of liver damage, drowsiness, or stomach bleeding.
Call your doctor or pharmacist right away, especially if you feel dizzy, confused, extremely drowsy, or unwell. If it’s an emergency, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
Mixing alcohol and marijuana can increase the effects of both, leading to stronger impairment, dizziness, nausea, or panic. It can also make it harder to judge how intoxicated you are, increasing the risk of accidents or overdose-like symptoms (sometimes called “greening out”). It’s generally safer to avoid using them together.
Yes. Even natural products like St. John’s Wort, kava, valerian root, and CBD can interact with alcohol—often by increasing sedation, dizziness, or liver strain. Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe to mix with alcohol. Always check with a healthcare provider.
Medications that May Help with Detox
Alcohol has the power to severely impact your life—but you also have the power to break free from your addiction. Call us today and connect with someone who can refer you to an appropriate treatment program near you.
Learn More About Alcoholism Recovery
Detox
Getting a better understanding of the detox process can vastly improve the chances of a successful recovery for you or a loved one.
Treatment Options
If you or someone you love is dealing with an alcohol use disorder, this information should serve as an overview of the treatment options available.
Quotes From Recovered Alcoholics
Discovering AlcoholAwareness.org marked a pivotal moment in my journey to sobriety; their insights and support brought a new level of clarity and hope, profoundly impacting my life.
The resources and guidance from AlcoholAwareness.org helped me understand my alcoholism and empowered me to embrace a fulfilling and sober lifestyle.
Thanks to AlcoholAwareness.org, I navigated the complexities of recovery with their practical advice and empathetic support, leading me to a stronger, sober future.
Articles & Resources
Explore research and expert perspectives that can help you make informed decisions about alcohol to support your health and your future.
The Final Stages of Alcoholism: Symptoms & Strategies
Summary Late-stage alcoholism involves severe physical dependence, dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and lasting damage to
June 6, 2025
Understanding Wet Brain: The Dangers of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Summary Wet brain (Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome) is caused by long-term thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. This
June 6, 2025
