'Anti-Craving' - Medikamente. Hilfe bei der Ruckfallprophylaxe von Alkoholikern?

Many alcoholics deny to participate in long-term psychological treatment after detoxification. However, they often ask for a medication supporting their intention to remain sober. In the recent years drugs with an 'anti-craving' effect have been developed. These drugs should reduce the urge of drinking alcohol. The first of these drugs, acamprosate, has recently been introduced in the German market. Since drugs with different pharmacological profile have tested as 'anti-craving'-drugs, a critical review of the psychobiological concept 'craving' is necessary. In this paper the psychological and biochemical findings are reviewed and the implications for medical treatment of alcoholics are discussed.