Nalmefene and alcohol use disorder. Evaluation of clinical cases at a treatment centre for drug addicts

Abstract

Introduction

Alcohol abuse causes dopamine release in the mesolimbic system, which activates the reward circuit. This is linked to an interdependent opioid, serotonergic and endocannabinoid system. Nalmefene is a modulator of the endogenous opioid system, with antagonistic effect on mu and delta receptors, and a partial agonist activity kappa. This means that reduces the reinforcing effects of alcohol consumption through the cortical-mesolimbic system. Therefore, when a patient takes nalmefene, the satisfaction obtained when he drinks is lower, which increases the possibility to have more control over drinking.

The efficacy of nalmefene was evaluated in two profiles of patients: 1. No abstinence in alcohol dependence disorder and continuous relapses, 2. Cocaine dependence disorder associated to alcohol abuse.

Objectives

Improving the quality of life and compliance rates due to the difficulties of following a strict treatment to achieve the abstinence. Furthermore, in cases of patients with cocaine dependence disorder and alcohol abuse, the objective is to avoid cocaine use by reducing previous alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

nalmefene offers the possibility of treating the addiction from a new perspective. Our current clinical experience has been able to treat subjects with conventional treatments failures and those who need to achieve the necessary control to reduce cocaine use.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.