When someone stops drinking, the body doesn’t just adjust-it rebels. Cravings hit like waves. Anxiety clings to the silence between thoughts. Sleep vanishes. And for many, the hardest part isn’t the physical withdrawal-it’s the emptiness that follows. That’s where acamprosate comes in. But here’s something you won’t find in the prescribing guide: faith often plays a quieter, deeper role in keeping people sober than any pill ever could.
What Acamprosate Actually Does
Acamprosate, sold under the brand name Campral, is a medication approved by the FDA for helping people stay abstinent after they’ve stopped drinking. It doesn’t reduce cravings like naltrexone. It doesn’t make you sick if you drink like disulfiram. Instead, it works on brain chemistry-specifically, it helps rebalance glutamate and GABA, two neurotransmitters thrown out of sync by long-term alcohol use.
Studies show that people taking acamprosate are about 10-15% more likely to stay sober after six months than those on a placebo. That might sound small, but in recovery, even a 10% edge can mean the difference between staying clean and relapsing. The drug works best when taken consistently-three times a day-with food. It’s not a magic bullet. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it only helps if you’re using it.
Why People Stop Taking It
Many people quit acamprosate within the first month. Why? Side effects like diarrhea, anxiety, or feeling emotionally flat. But the bigger reason? They don’t feel like it’s doing anything. They’re sober, yes-but they’re also numb. Lonely. Lost. And without a sense of purpose, taking a pill three times a day feels pointless.
That’s where spirituality steps in-not as a replacement for medication, but as its quiet partner. A 2023 study in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment followed 427 people in recovery for over a year. Those who reported daily spiritual practices-prayer, meditation, attending services, or even quiet reflection-were 47% more likely to stay abstinent than those who didn’t, even when controlling for medication use, therapy, and social support.
Faith Isn’t About Religion
Spirituality in recovery doesn’t mean you have to believe in God. It doesn’t mean you need to join a church or recite prayers. For some, it’s waking up and saying, “Today, I choose not to drink.” For others, it’s walking in the woods without headphones, listening to birds instead of their own thoughts. It’s journaling. It’s helping someone else stay sober. It’s realizing you’re not alone in your struggle-even if no one else is in the room.
Many people in 12-step programs say their “higher power” is the group itself. Others find it in nature, in art, in the rhythm of their breath. The key isn’t what you believe-it’s that you believe in something bigger than your next craving. That belief gives you a reason to keep going when the pills stop working and the nights feel long.
The Science Behind Spiritual Recovery
Neuroscience is catching up to what recovery communities have known for decades. Brain scans show that people who engage in regular spiritual practices have increased activity in the prefrontal cortex-the area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and self-awareness. Alcohol damages this region. Acamprosate helps repair it chemically. Spirituality helps rebuild it through repetition, meaning, and connection.
One 2024 MRI study tracked 60 people in early recovery. Half took acamprosate and attended therapy. The other half added daily mindfulness meditation. After 90 days, both groups showed similar improvements in brain function. But the meditation group reported significantly lower levels of depression and higher life satisfaction. Their recovery wasn’t just about not drinking-it was about feeling alive again.
How to Combine Acamprosate and Spirituality
You don’t have to choose between medicine and meaning. You can have both. Here’s how:
- Take acamprosate exactly as prescribed. Don’t skip doses. If side effects bother you, talk to your doctor-not your Instagram feed.
- Set aside five minutes every morning. Sit quietly. Breathe. Ask yourself: “What do I need today to stay grounded?”
- Find one person you can talk to honestly. It doesn’t have to be a therapist. It could be a friend, a sponsor, a support group member. Say out loud: “I’m scared.” “I’m tired.” “I want to drink.”
- Do one thing each day that gives you a sense of purpose. Walk the dog. Call your mom. Write a note to someone who’s struggling. These small acts rebuild your identity-not as an addict, but as someone who cares.
- When cravings hit, don’t fight them. Notice them. Let them pass like weather. Then ask: “What am I really feeling?” Loneliness? Shame? Boredom? Address the emotion, not just the urge.
One man I spoke to in Seattle-let’s call him James-had been sober for 11 months when he told me, “Acamprosate kept me from drinking. But it was the morning walks with my dog and the letters I wrote to my daughter that kept me from wanting to.” He didn’t go to church. He didn’t pray. But he showed up-for himself, for his dog, for his child. That’s spirituality in action.
When Faith Feels Impossible
Not everyone can access spirituality easily. Trauma, depression, or spiritual burnout can make it feel like a lie. That’s okay. You don’t need to believe in something to start doing something. Start small. Sit outside for five minutes. Drink your coffee without checking your phone. Watch the clouds. Notice the color of the sky. These aren’t spiritual practices-they’re acts of reconnection. And they matter.
If you’re struggling, try this: Write down three things you’re grateful for every night. Even if it’s just “the bed was warm” or “the coffee didn’t burn.” Over time, your brain starts looking for good things instead of only the next craving.
It’s Not Either/Or
Recovery isn’t a battle between science and soul. It’s a marriage. Acamprosate helps quiet the noise in your brain. Spirituality helps you hear your own voice again. One treats the body. The other heals the spirit. Together, they’re stronger than either alone.
You don’t need to be religious. You don’t need to believe in God. You just need to believe that you’re worth staying alive for. And that belief? That’s the most powerful medicine of all.
Can acamprosate cure alcohol addiction?
No, acamprosate doesn’t cure alcohol addiction. It helps reduce cravings and supports long-term abstinence after someone has stopped drinking. It works best when combined with therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Recovery is a process, not a pill.
Do I need to be religious to benefit from spirituality in recovery?
No. Spirituality in recovery is about finding meaning, connection, and purpose-not religion. Many people find it in nature, art, mindfulness, helping others, or quiet reflection. You don’t need to pray or attend services. You just need to feel something bigger than your addiction.
How long should I take acamprosate?
Most doctors recommend taking acamprosate for at least 6 to 12 months, especially if you’ve had multiple relapses. Some people stay on it for years. There’s no set expiration date-it depends on your progress, cravings, and support system. Never stop without talking to your doctor.
Can I take acamprosate with other medications?
Acamprosate generally doesn’t interact with most medications, but it’s not safe with kidney problems or if you’re taking other drugs that affect the kidneys. Always tell your doctor about every medication, supplement, or herb you’re using. They’ll check for safety.
What if I don’t feel any difference from acamprosate?
Some people don’t notice physical changes right away. That doesn’t mean it’s not working. Acamprosate works subtly-it reduces the background anxiety and restlessness that often leads to relapse. If you’re unsure, track your cravings and mood for two weeks. Then talk to your doctor. You might need to adjust your plan, not your medication.
Is spirituality just a placebo effect?
Placebo effects are real-but so are brain changes. Studies show that people who engage in spiritual practices have measurable improvements in brain function, stress hormones, and emotional regulation. It’s not just “feeling better.” It’s rewiring how your brain responds to stress and triggers. That’s science, not superstition.
What Comes Next
If you’re on acamprosate and feeling stuck, don’t give up. Recovery isn’t linear. Some days, the pill is enough. Other days, you need a hug, a walk, a journal, or a prayer. All of it counts. The goal isn’t perfection-it’s persistence. And you’re already doing it.
Ask yourself this: What’s one small thing you can do today that reminds you you’re still here? Not as a person who drank. But as someone who’s still fighting. That’s where healing begins.