Scientists investigate medication for alcohol dependency

Scientists used high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in a study into treatment for alcohol dependency.

In the investigation, published by BMC Clinical Pharmacology, the scientists from laboratories across Brazil sought to identify whether the ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) would alter chronic alcohol use.

The team used 80 alcohol dependent patients in the placebo controlled, double blind, randomised study, with four groups of 20 patients provided with daily tablets containing either PUFAS, Naltrexone, Naltrexone and PUFAS or a placebo.

Patients were given the tablets for 90 days and then assessed for their cravings and alcohol dependence on day one and at the end of the study.

PUFAS serum levels were also assessed before and after treatment by HPLC assay.

Although there was a significant improvement over time on drinking days and alcohol dependence across all groups, there was no sign that PUFAS supplementation differed much from the placebos.

The scientists claimed that a new study would be worthwhile and said that the team also needs to consider the possibility that patients may not have taken their medication correctly.