Acamprosate (Campral) for Alcohol Treatment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Alternatives

Acamprosate (Campral) is prescribed in New Jersey to support alcohol abstinence, where alcohol accounts for 37% of treatment admissions, as reported by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (2022). But is it right for you or your loved one? You or someone you love is already working toward alcohol recovery, and the medication stabilizes brain chemistry to reduce cravings and lower the chance of relapse. The standard dosage is 666mg a day, taken as two 333mg tablets three meal-full times a day. 

Acamprosate has side effects like irritability, trouble sleeping, or occasionally more uncomfortable symptoms such as dizziness, bloating, or increased sweating. You are meant to take it after detox, not during active drinking, as part of a broader recovery plan, and if acamprosate doesn’t feel right, alternatives like naltrexone, disulfiram, or nalmefene are also available. 

Does it cure alcoholism? No, acamprosate cannot cure alcoholism, but you’re already taking a powerful first step toward change by being here.

What Is Acamprosate?

Acamprosate, sold under the brand name Campral, is a prescription medication approved in the United States for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). The FDA approved it in 2004 for use alongside psychosocial support to aid individuals in maintaining abstinence, specifically intended for patients who are already abstinent at the start of treatment. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) imposes a devastating toll, claiming over 85,000 lives across the U.S. and more than 1,500 each year in New Jersey, as reported in the 2023 study “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in New Jersey (NJ): Disparity in Treatment” by Yoade and colleagues. 

How Does Acamprosate (Campral) Work?

Acamprosate works by helping the brain find balance after stopping alcohol by lowering the activity of a chemical called glutamate, which becomes too active during withdrawal, and boosting GABA, a calming chemical. This combination cuts cravings, eases withdrawal symptoms, and supports long-term recovery. 

Speaking of work, did you know that in 2023, there were 2,439 treatment admissions for alcohol use disorder among residents of Middlesex County, New Jersey? As reported by the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (2024), 43% of those admitted were employed, showing that alcohol addiction affects many who are actively working.

How Long Does It Take for Acamprosate to Work?

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks of continuous use for acamprosate to reach its full effect, though some people notice declining cravings within a few days. Staying on the medication as indicated is key to maintaining progress and preventing relapse because it works best when blended with counseling or other support services.

What Are the Uses of Acamprosate?

The uses of acamprosate are giving your brain the steady support it needs to stay balanced after you stop drinking. This doesn’t mean it gets rid of alcohol from your system—that’s what detox is for—but it does quiet the cravings and emotional ups and downs that come afterward. The New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJSAMS) reported that in 2023-24, 64.8% of individuals undergoing treatment had completely stopped using alcohol or drugs by the time they were discharged.

If you’re already on the path to recovery, acamprosate makes it easier to stay on track, especially when paired with therapy or a strong support system. You’re not alone in this process, and this medication is one more tool to empower you to move forward with stability and confidence.

Are There Any Off-Label Uses of Acamprosate?

Yes, there are some off-label uses of acamprosate, but they’re not common or widely practiced. While it’s primarily approved to support alcohol abstinence, researchers have looked into its potential for easing symptoms of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviors due to its effects on brain chemistry, as explored in the open-label study “Open-Label Trial of Acamprosate as a Treatment for Anxiety” by Hertzman et al. 2009. Still, these uses aren’t officially settled, and the most trusted and proven benefit of acamprosate remains in assisting people to preserve sobriety after quitting alcohol. If you’re taking it for alcohol recovery, you’re using it exactly as intended—to give your brain the steady support it needs to heal.

Who Should Use Acamprosate?

Acamprosate should be used by persons diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who have achieved abstinence and seek to maintain it, especially those with severe AUD or a history of multiple relapses. Despite convincing data showing its benefits, only 30% of people with AUD receive treatment, and less than 10% are prescribed medications like acamprosate to help prevent relapse, as investigated by Fischler et al. 2022 in “Off-label and Investigational Drugs in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Critical Review.”

If you’re on this journey, know that you’re part of the dedicated few who are taking active steps toward lasting change. Acamprosate is here to stabilize your recovery and keep you moving forward, so don’t hesitate to take full advantage of the support it offers.

Who Should Not Use Acamprosate?

People who are still drinking, haven’t completed detox, or have severe kidney issues should not use acamprosate because it’s designed to support sobriety, not start it, and relies on healthy kidney function to be safely processed by the body. This medication also isn’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, since its effects on a developing baby aren’t fully understood. Always speak with your provider about your health history to find the safest, most effective treatment for your recovery.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Acamprosate?

The standard recommended dose of acamprosate is 666 mg per day, taken as two 333 mg tablets three times daily with meals. For those with moderate kidney issues, the FDA advises that the dose be lowered to one tablet three times a day to avoid buildup in the body, and by extension, contraindicated for people with severe kidney problems. What matters most is taking it regularly while staying alcohol-free, because consistency with your medication gives your recovery the foundation it needs to hold strong.

How Long Should You Take Acamprosate?

You should take acamprosate for at least six months, and many people continue for up to a year or longer if it’s helping them stay on track, as guided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines (2011). Sticking with it gives your brain time to mend and adjust without alcohol. Everyone’s journey is different—some need a little more time, and that’s okay. If you’re still drinking regularly after four to six weeks on the medication, your doctor will talk with you about adjusting the plan. But if it’s working and you feel supported, continuing past six months is common and completely valid. You’re doing the hard work, and this is here to help keep you steady. 

What Are the Side Effects of Acamprosate?

The side effects of acamprosate, such as discouragement, sadness, irritability, diminished appetite, weakness, decreased interest in activities, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and concentration difficulties, sound discouraging at first, but knowing what to expect does give you a lifeline to stay focused on recovery. Most people experience only mild symptoms, and many find that these improve over time. If any side effects bother you, speak up—adjusting your treatment is part of the process, and you’re not alone in it.

Below are the common and serious side effects of acamprosate:

Common Side Effects of Acamprosate?

Common side effects of acamprosate include:

• Discouragement: A lingering sense of low motivation or hopelessness occurs early in treatment.
• Feeling sad: Moments of unexpected sadness appear, even without a clear trigger.
• Irritability: You feel more easily annoyed or frustrated than usual.
• Lack of appetite: Some people notice they’re not as hungry, which compromises energy.
• Lack or loss of strength: Feeling tired or weak is not uncommon as your body adjusts.

Serious Side Effects of Acamprosate

Serious side effects of acamprosate include:

• Accidental injury: Changes in focus or coordination make everyday tasks feel more difficult, sparking an elevated likelihood of experiencing harm or injury.
• Bloated or full feeling: Digestive changes like gas or fullness engender discomfort owing to trapped gas or slowed digestion.
• Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings: Unusual nerve-related sensations occur, felt on the skin or in the extremities, highlighting effects on the nervous system.
• Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness ensues, contributing to difficulty maintaining balance or performing tasks requiring focus.
• Dry mouth: Diminished saliva production encourages an uncomfortable dry sensation in the mouth, potentially causing difficulties with speaking, eating, or oral health.

These effects don’t mean you’ve failed; they’re signals your body gives, and your care team is there to hold your hand for you to respond. Healing takes time, and staying informed is part of your strength.

What Are The Alternatives to Acamprosate?

The main alternatives to acamprosate for treating AUD are naltrexone, disulfiram, and nalmefene, each offering a different way to support your recovery, depending on what you need most right now.

Here are the common alternatives to Acamprosate:

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). It helps reduce alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which decreases the desire to consume alcohol and supports relapse prevention.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram is a medication used to support abstinence in alcohol use disorder by causing an adverse reaction when alcohol is consumed. It inhibits the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde after alcohol intake, which produces unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, nausea, and palpitations. This reaction deters patients from drinking, thereby helping maintain sobriety.

Nalmefene

Nalmefene is an opioid receptor modulator approved in Europe for reducing alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol use disorder. It works by modulating the opioid system, similar to naltrexone, decreasing the reinforcing effects of alcohol and reducing the urge to drink. Nalmefene is used to reduce heavy drinking episodes and support controlled drinking or abstinence in patients with alcohol use disorder. You’re not out of options—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. With your provider’s guidance, you find the medication that fits your goals. From admission to discharge, alcohol abstinence in New Jersey rose from 71.6% to 90.4% in 2022, showing how real progress happens with the right support, as pointed out by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), “2022 Statewide Substance Use Overview report.”

How Effective Is Acamprosate in Treating Alcohol Addiction in New Jersey, Middlesex County?

Acamprosate is highly effective in treating alcohol addiction, especially in Middlesex County, where 5,869 people sought substance use treatment in 2022, and 76% of admissions were related to alcohol and heroin, according to the New Jersey Department of Human Services. With a chronic heavy drinking rate of 2.9% in Middlesex County, NJ, lower than the state average of 5.1%, this medication is foundational in supporting alcohol addiction for consistent sobriety for those who’ve already stopped drinking and want lasting recovery.

Is Acamprosate A Controlled Substance?

No, acamprosate is not a controlled substance because it doesn’t produce euphoria or carry a risk of addiction like opioids or benzodiazepines. Even though it’s not classified as controlled, it’s still a prescription medication, so your doctor will guide its use to make sure it’s safe, effective, and truly supports your commitment to staying alcohol-free.

In 2019, the New Jersey National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) revealed that 23% of the state’s 370 substance abuse treatment facilities offered acamprosate as a treatment option for alcohol use disorder. This means that a good number of local centers are ready to offer you trusted, evidence-based support for your recovery. It’s reassuring to know that you’re not alone in your journey, right? Many options are available here in New Jersey to encourage you to take that initial step toward lasting change.

How Do I Start Alcohol Addiction Treatment? 

You start alcohol addiction treatment at the treatment center of your choice. With New Jersey fulfilling 72.7% of the need for mental health professionals—far above the national average of 27.7%—trust that compassionate, qualified support will be with you every step of the way, especially with mental health and addiction so often intertwined, as noted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (2024).

How Do I Verify My Insurance for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Verify your insurance by reaching out to our team at (735) 838-6495—we’re here to walk you through every step and ensure your alcohol addiction treatment is covered without confusion or delay. Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to begin your journey, we’ll help you confirm your benefits quickly, allowing you to focus on recovery with peace of mind.