Nalmefene Reduces Alcohol Consumption

Update: 2015

Nalmefene is rarely used or recommended by RedChair, however, sometimes it appears this is the best course of action. Recently a client who had struggled with abstinence concepts only had one drinking pattern, that was extremely damaging chronic alcohol intake, or nothing when health or rehab intervened. Nalmefene with some puposeful therapist, life coaching, goal setting input appears to have rescued this dire merry go round. Client hardly drinks. Body, mind and soul are clearly benefitting.

Client needs to be motivated for this process. Assessed by a qualified clinician. Willing to engage with therapist. Honest and willing to take Nalmefene as prescribed.

We watch this process with interest.

Will a new drug help intervene with individuals alcoholism? Nalmefene is a drug, being launched in the UK, which professionals state could reduce alcohol intake by up to 61%. Nalmefene can be prescribed by doctors with the patient receiving counselling alongside medication. The drug aims to, essentially, make alcohol consumption less enjoyable for those suffering from alcoholism.

New Drug could Reduce Alcohol Consumption by up to 61%

Could this work? Intervention from specialised counsellors is a sound solution to attaining recovery. The success of coupling therapy with another substance is however more ambiguous. Drug and alcohol interventions are seemingly most effective when a person is abstinent, whether that be from alcohol, drugs or prescribed drugs. As Dr. Garret McGovern, an Addiction Specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic, drugs like Nalmefene aren’t ‘wildly successful.’ Indeed, there needs to be serious action taken to help those suffering from alcoholism but is Nalmefene really part of the solution? We at RedChair are not so sure.

Manchester was recently reported as having the highest rate of deaths in the UK relating to substances. Therefore, debates about possible ways forward, with the likes of Nalmefene, are warmly welcomed. Yet substituting one substance for another does need to be carefully thought out. Our team recognises, time and time again, the benefit of working with a person who is abstinent. Abstinence is good for a number of reasons, one being that people are able deal with core emotional issues where substances can prolong recovery. Abstinence is not however encouraged alone, there needs to be guidance from specialised interventionists and 12 step programs.

If you’d like to talk about this further, please feel free to give our office a call, we love to chat!0800 530 0012

To read about Manchester having the highest death rate in the UK, in terms of substance misuse, take a look at – http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/09039166-depth-why-does-manchester-have-highest-rates-drug-related-deaths-uk-and-what-going-