Alcoholism and a sudden interest in baclofen

"In the depths of a desperate struggle with alcoholism, I found a medicine, baclofen, that both freed me of all cravings for alcohol and resolved the underlying disorder, overwhelming anxiety, that made me vulnerable to addiction."

So writes French cardiologist Dr. Olivier Ameisen in his new book, "The End of My Addiction." An excerpt of the book appears today on abcnews.com and is not surprisingly -- with that kind of claim -- prompting interest in the drug, speculation about its potential and, of course, Google searches hither and yon.

Ameisen's statement is certainly provocative -- bordering on incendiary -- for the almost magic-like quality it seems to suggest for baclofen, a drug of which few people are aware.

The medication itself is a muscle relaxer, often used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis symptoms, according to drugs.com.

And it does show some promise ...

A relatively small, but human, study published in the Dec. 8, 2007, issue of The Lancet concluded: "Baclofen is effective at promoting alcohol abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients with liver cirrhosis. The drug is well tolerated and could have an important role in treatment of these individuals."

The drug has also intrigued some researchers for its potential to treat cocaine addiction and has been eyed for its possibility in treating other addictions as well. But such research is far from a slam-dunk cure for alcoholism.

Ameisen, at least, says it's time for further studies.

-- Tami Dennis

Photo credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Mark]

Why are these uninformative news/blog blurbs even appearing on the LA Times website? It's certainly not journalism as there is no real info being presented and its not a blog because its not very personal or funny. Did TImes editors have to lay off some writers and need to fill in some webspace?

[A Scanner Darkly]

Hack MD's working in restricted U.S. cities often prescribe Baclofen to those being held in secret radiation captivity. Supposedly there is some evidence as to it's effectiveness in dealing with remote neuro-impulse stimulation and subliminal microwaves generated from clandestine subterranean lab facilities. I personally would rather have these ghastly facilities closed but apparently too many people and entities profit from the secret wealth created from these quasi-crucifixion activities. "Woe to you who call evil good".

[cheryl]

There is no cure . . . only a daily reprieve no matter what drug or wish or prayer people try to sell to people who suffering from a disease.
I wish these people would stop making promises or even hinting at promises they cannot keep.. if they are an alcoholic and understand alcoholism then they would know that drinking is not the problem it is the solution.

[IonaTrailer]

To "A Scanner Darkly" - all I can say is wow!

What is *your* inner life like????

[Anon Genius]

This does not make me happy. My ten year old has been on baclofen for seven years for his cerebral palsy and we NEVER had a problem getting his prescription refilled. This week however, we're been getting the run-around from the pharmacist and doctor. I guess they want to keep some for their alcoholic friends! Some of my closet friends and family members are alcoholics, so I guess I'll have to start locking up the baclofen, if I can get it.

[Tamara Brooks, Ca.]

I have suffered greatly with the disease of not only alcoholism, but also severe panic attacks and anxiety that stems from a broken neck. I am willing to try any drug (legal of course) if it can offer relief from my pain , 23 plus years. I am hoping to find a physician to help me and try this medication Baclofen.

[brenda magierka]

As a substance abuse professional we are always seeking new information with regard to the treatment of addiction. Over the past decade we have been able to show that addiction is a brain disease. Pet scans and MRI imaging has made it possible to see the effects of use and cravings on the brain. Baclofen has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the cravings and use of cocaine and alcohol in double blind studies. NIDA has been involved in this research and it does hold promise. Just as insulin and Glucophage are important in the treatment of diabetes, medications can be important in the treatment of addiction. Remember, addiction is NOT a character defect. It is a brain disease, and like all chronic diseases, has periods of relapse.

[Lenny Harner]

If chemical dependency is a brain disease like research is showing then a drug to bring the reward system ( messolimbic dopamine system) back to normalcy sounds promising. I am excited to see treatment going in a different direction other than go to meetings, read your big book and call your sponsor. I have been using cognitive/behaviroal therapies along with other modalities ( SMART and Rational Recovery) to treat addiction with success. If we embrace this new ideology then we can perhaps do away with inpatient treatment centers all together. But there is lots of money to be made in inpatient treatment so I can see the battle lines formulating.

[sober living california]

An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol (commonly called alcohol). Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits.Most nations regulate the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. In particular, laws often specify the minimum age at which a person may legally buy them, or even drink them. thank you for this post.

-jomie-

[alcohol rehab]

Baclofen may treat alcoholism as some experts say. If it can also treat cocaine addiction, then that would be good to hear. But further studies and researching must be conducted because as we know, all drugs has its own side-effects. Which is why Baclofen must undergo intensive research in order to prove its total positive effects to the human body.

[tibbys]

my ex boyfriend just started taking baclofen, along with seeing a therapist once a week, to stop drinking. he says it has worked in curbing his urge to drink. but feels one of the side of effects, insomnia, is taking its toll. he's decided to wean himself off slowly, and start over, with slower and more careful titration than before since he jumped into it wanting help. He knows it isn't the cure or the final answer to his drinking. but he needs it to curb the urge while he figures out why he does it in the first place. it is definitely an emotional reason and he knows when in his life he started. he's an ex because we broke up because of his drinking. after 7 months in our brand new apartment, i had to move out and go back home to my parents. i also lost my job before i moved out, and i feel really lost. but part of me is at piece knowing he's working on getting better and i had to leave for him to start the process. he had nothing to lose while i was there. leaving him and the situation was the best for the both of us. i love him very much and i hope he finds his cure.