Baclofen (also known as Lioresal®) is a derivative of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is used as a muscle relaxant in such conditions as spinal cord injury, trigeminal neuralgia, and multiple sclerosis (MS). It's also found to be helpful in treating hiccups.

Now Italian physicians have reported in the Lancet that baclofen has an anti-craving action, and can be used to help treat alcoholic patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Of 148 alcoholics with cirrhosis, 84 were randomly allocated to take baclofen (5 mg thrice daily for 3 days, then 10 mg thrice daily) or placebo, for a total of 12 weeks.

In those taking baclofen, 71% achieved and maintained abstinence, compared with 29% of those taking the placebo. The reduction in self-reported alcohol use was accompanied by significant reductions in laboratory tests liver injury, supporting the veracity of the self-reporting.

Obviously 12 weeks is a relatively short study duration for this disease, so that longer studies with different populations of alcoholics are required. But the findings are encouraging enough, and provide yet another example of a new use for an old drug.