Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Acamprosate Doesn't Have to Be Hard

If you or someone you love is working toward sobriety from alcohol, Acamprosate (formerly sold as Campral) is one of the most effective medications available to help maintain abstinence. But finding a doctor who actually prescribes it can feel surprisingly difficult.

Unlike some addiction medications, Acamprosate doesn't require a special license or waiver to prescribe. Any licensed physician can write you a prescription. The challenge is finding a provider who is familiar with it and comfortable managing alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment.

This guide walks you through exactly how to find the right doctor, what to expect at your appointment, and how to move forward once you have your prescription.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Acamprosate?

Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Acamprosate:

• Addiction medicine specialists — These doctors focus specifically on substance use disorders. They are the most likely to be familiar with Acamprosate and may already have patients on it.
• Psychiatrists — Mental health doctors who can prescribe medications. Many psychiatrists treat co-occurring alcohol dependence and mental health conditions together.
• Primary care physicians (PCPs) — Your family doctor or internist can prescribe Acamprosate. While not all PCPs are experienced with AUD medications, many are open to it, especially with guidelines supporting its use.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants — In most states, NPs and PAs can also prescribe Acamprosate independently or under physician supervision.
• Gastroenterologists — Doctors who treat liver disease from alcohol use sometimes prescribe Acamprosate as part of a broader treatment plan.

The key thing to know: Acamprosate is not a controlled substance. There is no DEA registration, no special certification, and no patient limit. Any licensed prescriber can write the prescription.

How to Find a Provider Near You

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your health insurance company's online directory. Search for providers in these specialties:

• Addiction medicine
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral health
• Internal medicine or family medicine

Call the office before scheduling and ask: "Does the doctor prescribe medications for alcohol use disorder, specifically Acamprosate?" This saves you time and copays.

2. Try SAMHSA's Treatment Locator

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains a free, confidential treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. You can search by location and filter for outpatient medication-assisted treatment programs that serve people with alcohol dependence.

3. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Online appointment platforms like Zocdoc let you filter by specialty, insurance, and availability. Search for "addiction medicine" or "psychiatry" in your area. Read reviews from other patients — they often mention whether the doctor is comfortable managing AUD.

4. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

Even if your PCP doesn't prescribe Acamprosate themselves, they can refer you to someone who does. A referral from your existing doctor can also speed up the process with insurance.

5. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has expanded significantly since 2020, and many addiction medicine providers now offer virtual visits. This is especially helpful if you live in a rural area or have limited specialists nearby. Platforms like Bicycle Health, Workit Health, and Monument offer online AUD treatment that may include Acamprosate.

Since Acamprosate is not a controlled substance, it can generally be prescribed via telehealth without the additional restrictions that apply to medications like Suboxone.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your first visit with a prescriber will typically include:

• A medical history review — Your doctor will ask about your drinking history, previous quit attempts, and any other health conditions.
• Lab work — Expect blood tests to check kidney function. This is important because Acamprosate is eliminated through the kidneys and is contraindicated in severe renal impairment.
• A discussion about your goals — Acamprosate works best for people who have already stopped drinking and want to maintain abstinence. Your doctor will want to understand where you are in your recovery.
• Medication options — Your provider may also discuss alternatives like Naltrexone or Disulfiram to help you choose the right fit.
• A prescription — If Acamprosate is appropriate, you'll likely leave with a prescription for 333 mg tablets, taken as two tablets three times daily.

The appointment itself usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are typically shorter and may happen every 2 to 4 weeks initially.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Acamprosate prescription, the next step is filling it. This can sometimes be tricky because Acamprosate has been experiencing intermittent supply shortages since 2023.

Here are some tips for getting it filled:

• Check stock before you go. Use Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Acamprosate in stock right now. This can save you from driving to a pharmacy only to be told they're out.
• Try multiple pharmacies. If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, check independent pharmacies, mail-order services, or pharmacies in nearby towns.
• Use a discount card. Without insurance, Acamprosate can cost up to $340 for a 30-day supply. With a GoodRx coupon, the price can drop to around $68. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Acamprosate.
• Ask about 90-day supplies. If stock is limited, filling a 90-day supply when it's available can help you avoid gaps in treatment.

What If You Can't Find a Doctor?

If you're struggling to find a prescriber in your area, don't give up. Here are a few more options:

• Community health centers — Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) often provide substance use treatment on a sliding-fee scale.
• VA healthcare — If you're a veteran, VA medical centers commonly prescribe Acamprosate as part of AUD treatment.
• Hospital-affiliated addiction programs — Many academic medical centers run outpatient addiction clinics.
• State substance abuse agencies — Your state's agency can connect you with local treatment resources, sometimes at no cost.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Acamprosate is more straightforward than many people expect. You don't need a specialist — though one can be helpful — and telehealth has made access easier than ever. The most important step is making that first appointment.

If you already have a prescription and need help finding a pharmacy with Acamprosate in stock, visit Medfinder to search real-time availability near you.