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from the Stopping-is-easy...-I've-done-it-many-times! dept.
A new study published by the scientific journal Addiction has found no reliable evidence for using nalmefene, naltrexone, acamprosate, baclofen or topiramate to control drinking in patients with alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder. At best, some treatments showed low to medium efficacy in reducing drinking, but those findings were from studies with a high risk of bias. None demonstrated any benefit on health outcomes.
The study pooled the results from 32 double-blind randomised controlled trials representing 6,036 patients, published between 1994 and 2015. The studies compared the effects of oral nalmefene (n=9), naltrexone (n=14), acamprosate (n=1), baclofen (n=4) and topimarate (n=4) against placebo.
Many of the studies provided unreliable results due to risk of bias (potential exaggeration of the effects of the drug). Twenty-six studies (81%) showed an unclear or high risk of incomplete outcome data due to the large number of withdrawals. Seventeen studies (53%) showed an unclear or a high risk of selective outcome reporting, as they did not include a protocol registration number, which would allow another researcher to check whether all outcomes were reported.
Clément Palpacuer, et. al. Pharmacologically controlled drinking in the treatment of alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorders: a systematic review with direct and network meta-analyses on nalmefene, naltrexone, acamprosate, baclofen and topiramate. Addiction, 2017; DOI: 10.1111/add.13974
Back to the drawing board.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday September 24 2017, @01:43PM
Very much appreciate the continued chat. Pressed for time as I need to get ready for work. I find it helpful to remember that you are facing a challenge that has been known, and struggled with, since biblical times (search on drunkard in the bible). So you are looking at something on the order of 2,000 years' time (give or take a few centuries). That it still remains a problem to this day suggests that a formidable challenge lies ahead. Hang in there, I'm rooting for ya.
Also, sorry to hear about your son's childhood challenges... very fortunate that you and he were able to make it through. And yes, healthcare costs are mind-numbingly high... count your good fortunate to not have had to face those, too.
One idea I found most helpful: each night I made a list of 10 things that happened that very day for which I was grateful. Helped me to not fall into the whirlpool of resentment and dwell on the negatives... a positive attitude and perspective are incredibly helpful!
Peace.