Other ways for the treatment of alcohol dependence: A patient treated with nalmefene

Abstract

Introduction

Alcohol dependence belongs to one of the major risk factors to health worldwide. Alcohol consumption is a significant factor for mortality in the world: 6.3% in men and 1.1% in women. The alcohol use disorder is also very common: 5.4% in men, 1.5% in women. Despite its high frequency and severity of this disorder, only 8% of all alcohol dependents are treated once.

Aims

An interesting treatment option is geared toward reducing alcohol intake. Some patients in treatment for alcohol use disorder prefer an initial target of reducing consumption. Nalmefene, an antagonist naltrexone associated with opioid receptors, has been authorized in the European Union to help alcohol-dependent patients reduce their consumption. Antagonists’ opiate receptors are associated with reduced reward in relation to alcohol consumption, thus helping patients in reducing energy consumption.

Methods

A man of 39 years old, with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder and depressive disorder and poor outcome despite different types of treatment (as aversive agents) was treated with nalmefene.

Results

After a few months, nalmefene had a beneficial effect on the patient, with a significant reduction in the number of days of excessive alcohol consumption and total consumption in the sixth month. In addition, treatment was well tolerated, with no observed secondary effects.

Conclusions

Nalmefene appears to be effective and safe in reducing heavy drinking. Drugs such as nalmefene have demonstrated efficacy in association with a biopsychosocial approach to help patients achieve their personal objectives for this disorder.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.