Alcohol Addiction New tablet is designed to help

Alcohol Addiction: New tablet is intended to help addicts

30.06.2014

Following the EU, the Federal Joint Committee has now cleared the way for a new drug to help alcoholics drink less. However, experts disagree about the benefits of the drug.

Take medication before drinking events
In the future, doctors can prescribe a drug to help alcoholics drink less. As the „pharmacy magazine“ (7/2014 A), after the EU, the Federal Joint Committee has cleared the way for the active ingredient nalmefene. This should be taken when needed, about one to two hours before a drinkable event. But the chairman of the German main office for search questions, Dr. med. Heribert Fleischmann, is skeptical. The effect of the remedy is too low and, in addition, it is too expensive.

Do not overestimate effect of the drug
Other doctors are more optimistic. „Those who are not heavily dependent can try using nalmefene to reduce their consumption“, said Professor Andreas Heinz, Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Berlin Charité „pharmacy magazine“. However, he warns against overestimating the effect of the drug: „Tablets alone are useless. You also have to be motivated to change your own drinking habits.“ It seems to be a general consensus that the pill can only be supportive if someone really wants to conquer the addiction.

Over seven million Germans drink too much
According to the current „Epidemiological Search Survey“, which was developed on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health by the Institute for Therapy Research in Munich, almost 1.8 million Germans are alcohol dependent. In addition, 1.6 million adults would drink a lot, but would not be considered dependent on official criteria, the news agency reported „dpa“ citing the numbers of the survey a few months ago. In total, there are 7.4 million Germans who consume more alcohol than the recommended maximum daily amount. (Ad)