A review shows that medication can play an important role in treating alcohol problems.

Naltrexone and acamprosate are two drugs which can be used to help treat alcohol addiction. A review from researchers at The Scripps Research Institute now reveals that these drugs are helpful and could be used more widely. Currently less than one per cent of those seeking help for an alcohol problem get a prescription for one of these two drugs.

The study shows that high doses of naltrexone and acamprosate are not related to any severe adverse effects. The review, which is the first of its kind, shows that combining the two drugs does not give any additional benefit. The patients who were most successful in abstaining from alcohol 16 weeks after treatment were those prescribed naltrexone under medical management and those participating in a multi-session program of alcohol counseling given by a behavioral specialist.

Source

Journal of the American Medical Association 2nd May 2006