Abstract
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.
| Translated title of the contribution | 'Anti-craving' drugs - A new therapeutic strategy for the relapse prevention of alcoholics? |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Journal | TW Neurologie Psychiatrie |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 25-31 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISSN | 0935-3224 |
| Publication status | Published - 1997 |
Research Areas and Centers
- Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)