Experimental Medication Nalmefene Helps Alcoholics Drink Less
Heavy drinkers given Nalmefene to take as needed reduced the amount they consumed by 66%.
Need some medicine to help you drink less? Well, through Nalmefene isn’t yet approved for use, based on the results of phase 3 clinical trials, it might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Nalmefene is an experimental drug which can be taken as needed and which takes the fun out of drinking - and in doing so, it helps heavy drinkers consume less alcohol.
The Study
According to research presented at the 2012 European Conference of Psychiatry, 600 people who were given access to Nalmefene to be used as needed for 6 months (as well as motivational counseling and support) were able to reduce their drinking by 66% by the 6th month of the study.
The researchers say that not everyone wants or is able to maintain abstinence but there are still significant harm reduction benefits associated with a substantial reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed by someone with an alcohol dependence problem.
Commenting on the findings, study researcher Dr. David Collier said that the medication could fill a treatment need to help people who are suffering from their alcohol use but who can’t achieve or sustain abstinence, saying, “The people volunteering for these trials had real problems with alcohol dependence, most had never sought help before, and others had tried and failed with abstinence strategies - stopping drinking for good. Abstinence is the right option for many people, but not everyone wants to do that, and in those that do try, it helps only about half of them.”
More like this
Nalmefene Helps Alcoholics Who Won’t Quit Drink Less
A new study shows that Nalmefene helps alcoholics who can’t quit, or aren’t ready to quit, to reduce their consumption.
Alcohol Abstinence Reverses Brain Damage – But Treatment Must Be 2 Weeks or Longer to Take Advantage of Healing
Your brain heals quickly once you stop drinking and after a couple of weeks people start to see big improvements. Researchers say alcohol treatment needs to be at least this long to take advantage of this return of function.
Researchers Say Binge Drinkers Taking Kudzu Root Extract Drink Less
Harvard University Medical School researchers say that an extract taken from the kudzu root may help alcohol abusers drink less.
In B.C. - Upping Alcohol Prices by 10% Cuts Deaths by a Third
A Canadian study shows that raising the costs of the cheapest alcohol by 10% cuts alcohol related deaths by as much as a third.
Drinking Alcohol Even Days Before Surgery, Can Be Deadly
Doctors now caution anyone due for scheduled surgery to limit, or eliminate, alcohol consumption prior to a procedure.