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DrugScreening.org


 
Naltrexone Derivative Superior for Treating Alcoholism, Researchers Say
September 15, 2008

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Research Summary

A modified version of the alcohol addiction medication naltrexone may be equally effective but without the unpleasant side-effects of the unadulterated drug, according to researchers from the University of California at San Francisco.

Scientific American reported Sept. 12 that rats given the new compound, SoRI-9409 consumed half as much alcohol and did not experience the withdrawal symptoms typical of naltrexone use. "It is much more selective in its effect on drinking," said researcher Selena Bartlett of the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center.

The new compound also holds promise in ensuring prolonged abstinence from alcohol. "That is currently the biggest challenge in alcoholism treatment," Bartlett said.

Rats who were given the compound for 28 days continued to avoid heavy drinking for four weeks after they stopped taking the drug. "Drinking stays down without the drug in place," Bartlett said. "It's done something to permanently change and reduce the drinking."

The findings were published in the September 2008 issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry.
This article summarizes an external report or press release on research published in a scientific journal. When available, links to the sources are provided above.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Lex on 17 Sep 08 08:51 PM EDT
Obviously many of the posters are AA thumpers and frankly the "only we have the answer" attitude, cult-like environment, and judgemental attitudes when someone does relapse are equally as unhelpful as any pill, if not worse. AA has been THE solution for so long that medicine has ignored the problem despite the fact that even according to AA the, 1 year sobreity rate is 20% and after 5 years drops to some 5%--great stats for a "cure" or even a "solution", so I guess AA does not have a solution and not all those that fail are "constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves" etc. The fact is that we all should applaud the research as NONE of us have taken this pill and if it can help, and if medicine can unlock how to treat the biochemical cause of alcoholism so drinkers can moderate (much more plausible in our world) or even abstain if they so choose, then we all ought to welcome sciences advances with open arms!

Posted by jrzshor on 17 Sep 08 02:38 PM EDT
what ever it takes to help reduce/eliminate cravings will only help one make all the other changes necessary for prolonged recovery.

Posted by jedwards on 17 Sep 08 11:53 AM EDT
I took naltrexone when I got sober along with 12-Step groups and a developed support network. The only benefit I found was that if I did relapse, I didn't drink to obliteration like I would have w/o the pills. In a very short time I was able to do without them and just rely on my supports.

Posted by Bert Lynn on 16 Sep 08 03:18 PM EDT
I have been sober now for 17.5 years. Without a support group, now matter what one try's it won't work. If you are a person who does drugs and drink the first drink will set you off for a drink

Posted by Kevin on 16 Sep 08 02:52 PM EDT
I agree that the pills don't do that, but they are (hopefully) seen as part of a recovery process for some, in which counseling, fellowships or other support are also provided in addition to the medication.

Posted by Shirley CD Counselor & Recovering 25 years on 16 Sep 08 12:45 PM EDT
This article is interesting and helpful but I always feel the whole truth is not addresses such as the pill can keep you from drinking but if you do not follow it up with support and a change in the way you think about alcohol it will eventually come back. It does not address the psychological effects of alcoholism or how to deal with them such as education, counseling, sober support and changing the thinking process.

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