Medications to treat alcoholism

Advances in neurobiology support the development of medications to treat alcoholism by modifying the activity of specific chemical messengers (i.e., neurotransmitters) in the brain. Among the most promising new medications is acamprosate, which appears to decrease the intensity of craving after a person has stopped drinking. Naltrexone (ReVia) has been shown to decrease alcohol consumption, although its practical effectiveness may be compromised by poor patient compliance and other factors. Ondansetron shows promise for decreasing drinking and increasing abstinence rates among early onset alcoholics, who respond poorly to psychosocial treatment alone. Researchers are investigating whether the use of specific medications in combination can further enhance their effectiveness. Additional research is needed to determine how medications interact with different psychosocial factors and treatments.