Campral is prescribed as a "post-abstinence" support medication. It has no effect on cravings, withdrawal, or other early intervention discomforts. The results of European studies seem to indicate a modest positive effect - compared to placebos - after abstinence has been attained, with relapse prevention benefits lasting few months. There are no such benefits for people seeking to moderate their alcohol use.
As counselors we neither recommend for nor against Campral. We believe in informed decision making, and, at this time, see no long-term benefit from Campral beyond a very modest widening of a person's "window of opportunity" for making change.
For some individuals even a very modest increase in results is enough reason to seek medical assistance and we support that decision. Again, individual responses to medications, therapies, and other support vary widely and we encourage you to explore what works best for you.
Even Campral's manufacturers note that it's effectiveness is directly related to participation in ongoing counseling. There are no magic cures, no pill, for alcohol related problems, only opportunities for change. Success involves coordinated efforts in a variety of areas over a year or more, and poor planning will always be expensive in time, money, health, and other costs.
Call us today at 888-541-6350.
