Which medications are used to treat alcohol abuse?

• A. Acamprosate, Disulfiram, Naltrexone
• B. Buprenorphine, Methadone, Naltrexone
• C. Acamprosate, Methadone, Disulfiram
• D. Naltrexone, Buprenorphine, Disulfiram

Answer: (A)

Medications to treat alcohol use disorder help support abstinence or reduce cravings and the risk of relapse. The best-supported combination for this purpose includes acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. Acamprosate helps stabilize brain signaling during early abstinence, easing cravings and supporting ongoing sobriety. Disulfiram deters drinking by causing unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed, creating a strong incentive to stay away from alcohol. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, which lowers the rewarding effects of alcohol and reduces cravings, helping prevent relapse. Together, these medications address different aspects of alcohol dependence—craving management, deterrence, and reduced reward—and are specifically used for treating alcohol use disorder.

Medications like buprenorphine or methadone are designed for opioid use disorder, not alcohol treatment, which is why they don’t fit as the best answer here. Naltrexone overlaps by treating either condition, but the full set that targets alcohol use disorder commonly includes acamprosate and disulfiram as well.