Craving, anxiety is another word for fear, but sometimes is more generalized and non-specific. A person may have very real fear/anxiety over the prospect of losing their job, whereas general anxiety is more along the lines of, "What if this drinking affects my health?", "Am I meeting so-and-so's expectations," "Will I be able to pass that exam tomorrow?" and so on and so on. The fear may be totally or mostly groundless, but nonetheless creates anxiety.
Baclofen is a very effective treatment for anxiety. I understand it works quite fast, as compared to some anxiety/depression medications. (Anxiety is often the root of depression, as well.) It is not habit forming, nor does it affect clarity of thinking, etc. Your doctor would prescribe it in such a way that you very slowly increase your dosage over time. . .say, 5mg. twice a day, and then when you've adapted (sleepiness lessens), up to 10mg. 2Xdaily, etc.
The only problem I can see with it is that, while it is not addictive or habit-forming, a person cannot suddenly stop taking it, but must titrate their dosage down much the same way it was originally increased, or serious withdrawal symptoms can occur.
High doses of Baclofen enabled Dr. Olivier Ameisen, an eminent cardiologist from France who practiced in NYC until his addiction forced him to abandon his career, to completely overcome his addiction to alcohol after many years of being hopelessly afflicted. He wrote a book on the topic,
The End of my Addiction. Fascinating stuff.
HOWEVER. Baclofen, if taken alone as a treatment for alcoholism, must be continued in relatively high doses for life. Dr. Eskapa likens it to methadone treatment - you trade dependence on one substance for dependence on another. The Sinclair Method, on the other hand, leads to a literal
cure for alcoholism. Most people, myself included, would much prefer to be cured completely than to have to rely on another medication for life.
ashl is taking relatively small doses of baclofen in conjunction with Naltrexone, as he has a rather serious anxiety disorder that will not abate with the simple cessation or moderation of alcohol consumption. The baclofen is being used for anxiety, reducing his cravings, while the Naltrexone is being used for addiction extinction.
Sorry if this is long-winded. One of my downfalls. . .
