Baclofen And Alcoholism Treatment: Will It Work?

April 4, 2017

Harmony Place Team

Baclofen is a medication that has historically been used to treat multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Recently, studies have been conducted that test the efficacy of using Baclofen for alcoholism. Results have so far been inconclusive.

Like many other pharmaceuticals, Baclofen is not currently being used to treat the condition it was designed for. Baclofen was initially created in Switzerland to treat epilepsy. The medication trials did not work as hoped, but researchers did notice an increase in muscle spasticity in those with muscle disorders.

Baclofen was approved by the FDA in 1977 for use in reducing muscle spasms, stiffness and to treat general pain associated with back issues. The chemical makeup of the medication mimics the neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid, also known as GABA. As a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA works to create a calming effect on a person’s mood. The calming effect has been shown to reduce muscle tension and relax bodies suffering from muscle ailments.

Baclofen For Alcohol Abuse

Baclofen is currently being studied for its use in treating alcoholism. Some evidence has suggested that the medication may be helpful, but the trials are ongoing and have not yet shown conclusive evidence. The only country that has approved Baclofen for alcoholism is France, which has approved a three-year trial period.

Baclofen was initially recommended for treatment of alcoholism to lessen a person’s craving for alcohol. The neurotransmitters in an alcoholic’s brain are severely limited by the large quantities of alcohol consumed. In addition to the neurotransmitter GABA, the brain produces dopamine which is considered the ‘feel good’ chemical in the body. Chronic alcohol use results in these brain systems no longer functioning without the presence of alcohol in the system. This can mean an alcoholic’s brain does not process the necessary neurotransmitters to maintain a healthy brain state.

Researchers began testing Baclofen for alcoholism because of its effects on GABA receptors, to make up for the lack of neurotransmitters produced in the brains of those with alcohol addictions. The idea was that while taking Baclofen, alcoholics would stop craving alcohol because of the improved mood created by the medication.

Does Baclofen Work For Alcohol Abuse?

University studies have been performed to determine the efficacy of treating alcoholism with Baclofen. One study at the Medical College of Wisconsin performed a study with the use of lab rats. One group of rats were addicted to heroin and one group was not. Both groups of rats were allowed to self-administer heroin as they wanted. Rats that were administered Baclofen showed a marked decrease in the number of times they self-administered the heroin. The theory behind the study is that the increase in GABA and dopamine levels from Baclofen use reduced the positive effects of the heroin, ultimately lessening their visits to the heroin corner. Although the study involved heroin, the effects on addictions are still relevant to treating alcoholism.

Similar results have been shown in human studies of those dependent on alcohol in France, to a limited extent. The promising results shown in the rats addicted to heroin do not necessarily indicate that Baclofen will be successful in treating alcoholism in adults, although it’s possible. Extensive studies still need to be conducted in order to determine whether the medication should be used to treat alcoholism.

Side Effects of Baclofen

No medication comes without the risk of side effects. For Baclofen, physical side effects include:

fatigue
sleepiness
insomnia
dizziness
vomiting
sexual changes
bowel disorders
weight changes

Changes in mood and emotions are also a side effect. Memory loss, worsening anxiety and depression have been reported. Patients who have been prescribed Baclofen are recommended not to drive or operate machinery, as the medication has a sedative effect.

In addition to side effects while taking the medication, withdrawal symptoms have also been recorded during research. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely when Baclofen has been used in larger doses over longer time periods. Symptoms of Baclofen withdrawal include hallucinations, confusion, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, psychosis, tremors, seizures, and mood disturbances. Patients taking the medication are advised to taper off doses incrementally to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Is Baclofen Recommended For Alcohol Abuse?

At this point in time, the answer is a resounding no. The theory of using Baclofen to treat alcoholism is still in its infancy. The medication has not yet been scientifically proven to be effective in treating any addiction. Many more studies will need to be conducted for researchers to completely understand the process and how it helps addiction.

Scientifically Proven Methods Of Alcohol Treatment

Currently, there is a set of guidelines professionals have established for the treatment of alcohol dependency. The process and methods have been shown in numerous scientific studies to be the most successful method of treating alcoholism and reducing relapse rates.

Medical Alcohol Detox

The beginning of alcohol addiction treatment includes detoxification of alcohol from the system. Detox is not a treatment, but it’s the first step in the process. A good indicator of whether an individual needs medical detox is whether they require alcohol in their system to feel ‘normal.’ For lifelong, heavy drinkers, detox can be a dangerous process that must be monitored by medical professionals.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Treatment for alcohol addiction should be varied and tailored the individual seeking treatment. Part of this step in the process is the individual understanding that they are suffering from the disease of alcoholism. When receiving alcohol addiction treatment, the individual will actively seek help and work with providers to find the best plan of care.

Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs

Successfully beating alcoholism takes long-term rehabilitation. It is not a short process, it is a lifestyle change that must be maintained. Patients have the option for in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation. Finding a reputable and well-rounded facility is the key to success.

Alcohol Therapy

There is a wide range of therapies available for treating addictions. Group, individual, massage, acupuncture, and even equine therapy are all proven methods for successful treatment. As with the other steps of the process, therapies need to be individualized to ensure the patient is receiving the best care possible for their specific needs.

Receiving The Best Alcohol Addiction Treatment

In the realm of alcohol addiction treatment, a comprehensive approach remains the most scientifically supported method for achieving lasting recovery. This involves a sequential plan that emphasizes medical detoxification, targeted addiction treatment, and rehabilitation, alongside therapy and integrated care. While medication can play a role, its efficacy in isolation is yet to be fully proven, making a multi-faceted treatment plan more favorable. For those seeking alcohol addiction treatment in Los Angeles, CA, it’s crucial to ensure that any program includes these essential elements to address both the physical and psychological facets of alcoholism effectively.

Harmony Place offers an integrated treatment experience designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals addicted to alcohol. Our programs are supported by extensive insurance coverage options, including Cigna alcohol cover, BCBS cover, Aetna insurance, Optum health insurance, and Anthem rehab cover, enabling us to accommodate a wide range of clients. By accepting various health insurances, Harmony Place aims to alleviate the financial concerns often associated with paying for alcohol recovery treatment. Understanding the average cost of alcohol rehab treatment and exploring available alcohol rehab insurance coverage can make accessing these vital services more manageable.

Choosing Harmony Place means committing to a path of recovery supported by a team dedicated to offering personalized and effective care. Our approach combines evidence-based practices with integrated strategies to ensure a well-rounded recovery journey. If you or a loved one is considering treatment for alcoholism, reaching out to Harmony Place can be the first step toward a healthier future. We invite you to learn more about our programs, explore our insurance options, and take advantage of the opportunity to transform your life with a thorough and compassionate treatment plan.

Contact us today for a private consultation and information on our residential treatment programs.

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Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at

Baclofen And Alcoholism Treatment: Will It Work?

Baclofen For Alcohol Abuse

Does Baclofen Work For Alcohol Abuse?

Side Effects of Baclofen

Is Baclofen Recommended For Alcohol Abuse?

Scientifically Proven Methods Of Alcohol Treatment

Medical Alcohol Detox

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs

Alcohol Therapy

Receiving The Best Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Articles Related to Alcohol Use Disorder and Addiction Treatment