Struggling to Cut Back on Drinking? Medications That Can Help You Regain Control

Cutting back on or quitting drinking sounds simple, but for many people, it’s not.

Alcohol can quietly become part of your routine, your stress relief, and your social life until it starts to feel hard to control.

The good news is that treatment has come a long way, and medications can play a powerful role.

How do you know it’s time to get help?

Ask yourself:

• Do you have trouble stopping once you start?
• Do you experience cravings for alcohol?
• Does your drinking feel out of your control?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you’re not alone—support can help.

There’s no one "right" goal

It’s important to consider your goals when thinking about alcohol use. Do you want to quit drinking entirely? Would you prefer to cut back on your consumption? Or are you interested in finding a way to drink more safely?

Treatment can be built around your goals.

Medication can change the game

“Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disease, and medications can help reduce cravings,” says Sharde McLeish, MD, medical director of addiction medicine at Englewood Health. “When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, they can make it easier for patients to follow through on their goals.”

Here are some FDA-approved options:

Naltrexone

A daily pill or monthly injection that helps reduce cravings and blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol. By making drinking less satisfying, it can support patients in cutting back or stopping altogether.

Acamprosate (Campral)

A medication taken daily that helps stabilize brain chemistry after stopping alcohol. It can reduce ongoing cravings and support long-term recovery, especially for those who have already stopped drinking.

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

A medication that creates an immediate and uncomfortable reaction if alcohol is consumed, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, and a feeling of warmth or redness in the face. It is best suited for individuals who are committed to avoiding alcohol and want an added layer of accountability.

Medication works best with support

Recovery is most effective with a combination of medication, therapy (individual or group, such as AA or SMART Recovery), and building healthier coping strategies such as increased physical activity and improved nutrition.

Why a dedicated program matters

Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be treated that way.

Englewood Health’s outpatient addiction medicine program supports patients at every stage, from early intervention to ongoing recovery.

With access to FDA-approved medications, therapy, and higher levels of care when needed, patients get a plan that evolves with them.

“Our program brings together experts in addiction medicine and behavioral health so we can treat every aspect of substance use, not just the physical symptoms,” says Dr. McLeish. “That allows us to tailor treatment in real time, whether that means adjusting medications, adding therapy, or increasing support. When care is coordinated and responsive, patients are far more likely to see meaningful, lasting progress.”

Care is available in Englewood and virtually across northern New Jersey.

To make an appointment, call 201-567-5636 or book online with a provider.

Posted on April 29, 2026