Anti-craving medications

As part of your recovery, your doctor may discuss anti-craving medication with you. It helps to be realistic about what it does: there’s no magic pill that makes you stop drinking. What this kind of medication can do is reduce your desire to drink, and when it’s combined with other support, like regular counselling or psychology sessions, it can be a genuinely effective part of staying well.

What it can, and can’t, do

Anti-craving medication works on the urge to drink, not on the withdrawal process. It isn’t used to manage withdrawal symptoms, which are handled separately as part of a detox. It tends to work best once you’ve already stopped drinking, though it can still help if you’ve had a relapse. Think of it as one tool among several, rather than a standalone solution: the people who do best generally pair it with counselling, support from those around them, and ongoing medical follow-up.

How we decide if it’s right for you

Whether medication has a role in your recovery is something your doctor works out with you. There are a few different options, and which (if any) suits you depends on your situation, your goals and your medical history. Some work in different ways or come with precautions, so your doctor will talk you through how any recommended option works and what to expect.

This is also why it’s so important to be open and honest at your appointments, including about any other medications or substances you take. Some interactions matter, and your doctor needs the full picture to keep you safe and choose the right approach. Nothing is decided for you: we discuss the options together and only proceed with what’s appropriate for you.

Updated 10 June 2026