Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025

A Prediction Error-driven Retrieval Procedure for Destabilizing and Rewriting Maladaptive Reward Memories in Hazardous Drinkers
Published on: January 5, 2018
Calcium Carbonate Attenuates Withdrawal and Reduces Craving: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Alcohol-Dependent
Rilana Schuster1,2,3, Matthias Winkler4, Anne Koopmann4,5
1Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany, rilana.schuster@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
Introduction:
Preclinical studies have shown that calcium seems to be the active component of the anti-craving drug acamprosate (Ca2+ bis-acetyl-homotaurinate). Clinical effects in humans have also indicated an association between increased calcium plasma concentration due to acamprosate treatment and better outcome relating to time to relapse and cumulative abstinence. In contrast, low calcium concentration in alcohol-dependent patients was related with craving for alcohol. The main goal of the trial was to investigate whether an oral calcium administration is able to affect craving, withdrawal, and relapse risk in alcohol-dependent patients.
Methods:
We conducted a single-blind, randomized, monocentric, controlled clinical two-arm trial in alcohol-dependent patients (Clinical Trials Registration: DRKS00011293). A total of 55 alcohol-dependent subjects received calcium carbonate (800 mg + 5 μg vitamin D) versus sodium bicarbonate (1,000 mg) daily during the 14 days of inpatient alcohol-withdrawal treatment.
Results:
Based on an intention-to-treat protocol, withdrawal intensity (assessed with CIWA-Ar) in the calcium carbonate group attenuated faster than in the sodium bicarbonate subgroup. Alcohol craving (assessed with OCDS) in the calcium carbonate subgroup was also significantly reduced versus the sodium bicarbonate subgroup.
Conclusion:
Our data support earlier findings and show that treatment with calcium carbonate during alcohol withdrawal reduces symptoms of alcohol withdrawal as well as alcohol craving in a controlled clinical pilot study. Mode of actions will need to be determined to allow the further development of pharmacological interventions beyond Ca2+ bis-acetyl-homotaurinate.
More Related Videos
05:12Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
07:50A Method for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol in Rats without Water Deprivation, Saccharin Fading or Extended Access Training
Published on: January 29, 2017
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Drug Dependence
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic...