Baclofen for the treatment of alcohol drinkers full text. The issue of baclofen addiction addiction is a problem that affects people from all demographics. Its been made possible by the information revolution internet forums and social media collect and then diffuse information from patients about treatments which are not being promoted by pharmaceutical companies. Baclofen is now touted by a vocal minority as a new alcoholism treatment, and not only this but that the search for an alcoholism cure is at an end. Here is an except from that baclofen writing by ameisen. Heal thyself is the paperback edition of the end of my addiction. Experts are questioning whether or not this drug is effective in treating alcohol dependence.
Introduction baclofen as a cure for alcoholism self. Neither medication has been shown to be as effective against addiction as highdose baclofen. Further investigation uncovered research showing that the drug worked on rats to cut addiction to alcohol or cocaine. Olivier ameison, md, is a frenchamerican physician who discovered baclofen as treatment for alcohol addiction. Speak with an addiction specialist call 8773222694. After a year of not drinking finding something to fix my broken brain. Baclofen, either alone, or in combination with alcohol, produced only modest increases in heart rate and blood pressure and no adverse effects were reported. Oct 10, 2014 baclofen, particularly highdose baclofen, has recently emerged as a treatment of major interest for alcoholdependence. Baclofen mediates the activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Dont get your hopes up too high though, baclofen alcohol treatment doesnt work for everybody, so when starting this new alcoholism treatment be realistic. The use of very highdoses of baclofen for the treatment of. It has high receptor affinity that reduces the reinforcing euphoric reward of alcohol.
A clinical practice perspective click to read frontiers in psychiatry has just published a new paper on baclofen in the treatment of alcoholism written by preeminent authorities on the subject. Baclofen and its potential as a new treatment for alcoholism first came to light with the publication of a book by a french cardiologist, dr. Then, in 2000, he read an article about an american man who was treated with baclofen for muscle spasms and found that it eased his addiction to cocaine. It is traditionally used to treat muscle symptoms such as spasm, pain and stiffness. Baclofen a gamma aminobutyric acid type b gabab receptor agonist, which has raised some interest for the treatment of alcohol use disorder aud, occasionally at dose up to 300 mgd. Dec 22, 2009 how i used the revolutionary new treatment, baclofen, to manage, treat, and cure my own alcoholism. Ive been on highdose baclofen for more than six years, and indifferent to alcohol for. Treating alcohol withdrawal with oral baclofen full text. Prescribing guide for baclofen in the treatment of alcoholism for use by physicians. Modern addiction treatment recognizes that addiction to drugs and alcohol has both biological and psychological causes. Baclofen is effective in more patients than current treatments. The drug baclofen is a muscle relaxant, used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis. A short course of baclofen can quickly neutralize alcohol withdrawal symptoms, with fewer risks than standardofcare treatment. It is generally agreed that alcoholism is a serious and growing problem all over the world.
Read on to learn more about the connection between baclofen and alcohol. Prescribing baclofen for addiction is a legitimate offlabel use of the medication. Clinical and experimental research concluded that baclofen alone has minimal abuse liability in heavy social drinkers. This website is an information resource for anyone interested in baclofen treatment for alcoholism.
Baclofen was a great help in relieving the withdrawal from alcohol because baclofen is a very mild cns depressant as well as an anti spasmodic. The duration of cumulative abstinence during the same highdose phase was also significantly higher in the baclofen group than in the control group receiving placebo mean, 67. This material is provided for educational purposes only. Baclofen is mentioned in 41 posts about cocaine addiction. Baclofen treatment suppresses cravings effectively. Mixing baclofen with alcohol ive been using bac for about six months, 4060mg daily, and its had a definite and positive effect on my drinking. A recent study examining the effectiveness of baclofen in alcohol dependence seems to fly in the face of previous research. This means that they lower the neurotransmission levels in the brain, creating a relaxed, mellow feeling. Baclofen for treating anxiety and alcoholism full text. Now a new randomized controlled trial found no evidence for the usefulness of. In the past, the only treatment that was really available for alcoholism was attending alcoholic anonymous aa. Do not stop taking this medicine baclofen tablets all of a sudden without calling your doctor.
Baclofen for the treatment of alcohol drinkers bacloville the safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Baclofen for treating anxiety and alcoholism full text view. Baclofen, sold under the brand name lioresal among others, is a medication used to treat muscle spasticity such as from a spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Previous research showed good results for treating alcohol dependence with highdose baclofen. Baclofen side effects hi all, i am looking for peer support from people with experience of using baclofen as a means of liberating themselves from alcohol addiction. The use of baclofen as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. Highdose baclofen supports abstinence in alcoholism.
Main digest if only the cravings for alcohol would go away, people trying to overcome the grip of alcoholism would stand a much better chance of fighting off the disease. This book is the story of the dazzling discovery of a cure that could soon be within reach of all. Some people may seek both the depressant effects that alcohol provides along with the relaxed muscles achieved by taking baclofen. And the uks prescribing guide warns that taking baclofen while drinking can magnify alcohol. I am trying to pace myself it has been tempting to go too quickly as i really want to be shot of this compulsion but experiencing severe and unpleasant sideeffects each time i. Baclofen did not increase positive subjective effects e. It mediates the rewarding effects of drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, etc. Baclofen also known by the brand name lioresal received fda approval in 1977 for its ability to reduce muscle spasms, muscle stiffness and pain associated with back conditions. The national institute on drug abuse nida reports a 2. Just the facts, please baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent. Olivier ameisen believes to be the cure to alcoholism and possibly all addiction. Baclofen a pill to stop alcohol cravings disabled world. Baclofen is a gaba beta agonist that activates the gaba beta receptor. The answer may have to do with whether or not you take baclofen.
Baclofen side effects addiction survivors peersupport forum. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the u. Some studies suggest that baclofen may reduce alcohol craving and use. Baclofen in the treatment of alcohol dependence with or without liver disease. Baclofen is not licensed in the uk for the treatment of alcohol dependence, though it has been used by some clinicians. To learn more about this drug and when it will be available, read nalmefene new drug for alcoholism. Baclofen for treating anxiety and alcoholism the safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. The aim is to totally switch off cravings so that the patient experiences an effortless indifference to alcohol. I think if that doctor had not given me baclofen for my a. In the depths of a desperate struggle with alcoholism, i found a medicine, baclofen, that both freed me of all craving for alcohol and resolved the underlying disorder, overwhelming anxiety, that made me vulnerable to addiction. While commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, baclofen is still undergoing testing as a treatment for alcoholism.
However, baclofen has many potentially dangerous side effects, and the maximal dose of baclofen that may be used is a matter of discussion. Naltrexone is listed on the pbs as an authority item for alcohol dependent individuals as part of a comprehensive treatment plan with a goal of abstinence. Without proof of its efficacy, prescribing high doses of the drug. I do already feel like i am doing other things than thinking of alcohol, but i am interested in knowing what the magic number was for you and how long did it take for you to get to your sweet spot. British journal of psychiatry rct n104 found statistically significant effect of baclofen 30 or 75 mgday for 12 weeks on time to lapse and relapse, and in % days abstinent. Baclofen, a new alcoholism treatment baclofen is a drug traditionally used to treat painful muscle spasms. Usually my last bac dose for the day is taken around 3pm. How baclofen is different from other alcohol addiction. However im still drinking, just a lot less these days. Party poopers many in the addiction field deride the idea of an alcoholism cure or magic pill. Treating alcohol withdrawal with oral baclofen the safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. I have been curious as to why i have not had any cravings.
This causes a decrease of the release of noradrenaline in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus an anti craving effect follows. Baclofenista baclofen alcoholism law and medical ethics blog. Baclofen can also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal. Baclofen s main effect in the treatment of alcohol addiction is that it switches off alcohol cravings the compulsion to drink. Lets say that i drink 24 drinks every evening before dinner 1 or 2 doubles. Fearing for his own patients, he gave up his practice and returned to paris. Clinical effectiveness of baclofen for the treatment of. However, there is yetanother possible use of this drug and it is related to the treatmentprocess for alcoholism. Been taking baclofen for alcoholism for four years now. Acute interaction of baclofen in combination with alcohol. How i used the revolutionary new treatment, baclofen, to manage, treat, and cure my own alcoholism. So i was prescribed serax for withdrawal symptoms and atenol and htz to control my blood pressure. Baclofen for treating alcoholism and addiction baclofen.
Nov 30, 2016 the drug baclofen has received high visibility as a possible breakthrough treatment for alcohol dependence. If i crave alcohol now, it now means that ive forgotten to take my baclofen. Spasticity caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury or disease can often be treated with baclofen. The drug baclofen has received high visibility as a possible breakthrough treatment for alcohol dependence. Baclofen is a cheap drug which has long been known as a cure for muscle spasms, especially among sufferers of cystic fibrosis or people who are partly or wholly paralysed. This research may persuade someone going out for a drink with friends to combine their drink with. Click export csv or ris to download the entire page or use the checkboxes to select a. Is baclofen addictive or a treatment for addiction.
A hundred patients with alcohol dependence, resistant to usual treatments, were treated with escalating doses of baclofen no superior limit. Dec 03, 2012 converging evidence suggest that the gammaaminobutyric acidb receptor agonist baclofen is a promising agent for the treatment of alcoholism. I know its an incredibly bold claim for someone to make but if addiction does have a physical basis then i really believe that this is the best possibly physical treatment. Baclofen is a drug used to control muscle stiffness in people with neurological diseases. Study suggests prescribing of baclofen for alcohol dependence. Another reason one might mix baclofen and alcohol is the effect baclofen has on withdrawal. How baclofen is different from other alcohol addiction treatments. Due to the sedative effect of baclofen, it is best if you avoid drinking alcohol at all with this drug, but if you must, limit yourself to one drink, and avoid driving afterwards. If you need to stop this medicine baclofen tablets, you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
France is ground zero for clinical research on baclofen, a drug said to eliminate alcohol cravings. I dont see any topics on this form related to baclofen, the drug that dr. Come and browse through the information, use the resources, ask a question, post on our blog and give us feedback. Baclofen can ease symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. Boy was i wrong, now i need to use baclofen to get off of it and it is the most horrible thing. Baclofen helps anxiety as well as alcohol cravings. In animals, baclofen reduces alcohol s reinforcing, rewarding, stimulating and motivational properties. But now, a french doctor has used it to cure, his alcoholism. To provide information on the use of baclofen to treat alcoholism, in france it has been approved for this purpose and is gaining exposure as an effective treatment elsewhere. Now a new randomised controlled trial from the university of amsterdam found no evidence. Nov 30, 2016 a drug being touted and prescribed as a cure for alcoholism may not work any better than counselling, dutch researchers have said. While a low dose 30 mgday of baclofen significantly decreases alcohol intake addolorato et al.
Prescribing guide for baclofen in the treatment of alcoholism. Terryk i cured my alcoholism with high dose baclofen tell us. Camille barrault, md spoke about the implications her work with baclofen would have on the future of liver disease research at the international liver congress 2015, vienna, austria. Prescribing baclofen widely as it currently happens in france might be premature and should be reconsidered, a dutch. Highdose baclofen supports abstinence in alcoholism athens, greece high doses of baclofen multiple brands, a drug normally used to treat spasticity, supports alcoholdependent patients in. I did try moderation management online, and had no luck finding rational recovery.
Clinical effectiveness of baclofen for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Study suggests prescribing of baclofen for alcohol. It helps to reduce anxiety in alcoholics, which in turn can help to reduce cravings. It is taken by mouth or by delivery into the spinal canal. David servanschreiber, md, phd, author of healing without freud or prozac and anticancer. We have set up this organization and this site to advocate on behalf of those using baclofen for alcoholism and. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent. I read something about baclofen and alcohol withdrawal 2 days ago and recalled that my back doctor had given me a prescription for it and i have only taken it 2 or 3 times this month. Seven times more working days are lost because of cigaretteinduced disease than the total number lost in strikes.
Longterm drug treatment of patients with alcohol dependence. Again, if you are desperate to remove alcohol from your life, read the latest information regarding scientific advances in addiction. As far back as 2004, baclofen was praised in a book about overcoming addiction, for its ability to assist in recovery from alcoholism. We are a group of people who have experienced the agony of alcoholism, either personally or in our families and have found treatment through the use of high doses of baclofen. Dr ameisen says his own experience and that of other patients suggests it can also be used to ease and then destroy an intolerable craving for alcohol. Naltrexone has been specifically approved for addiction at a dose of up to 50 milligrams a day, but it is often prescribed at higher doses offlabel. We conducted the first fullprofile pharmacokinetic study on baclofen in aud subjects, up to the oral daily dose.
Now a new randomized controlled trial found no evidence for the usefulness of highdose. Baclofen is indicated in a variety of different areas of substance abuse treatment, and it may be able to be used for others. The purpose of this study was to examine the longterm effects of baclofen in a large cohort of alcoholdependent patients compliant to baclofen treatment. It may also be used for hiccups and muscle spasms near the end of life. This has only been going a month now so take that into consideration. A presentation by a researcher gives some interesting insights into the effect of baclofen on nerve synapses and alcohol use.
We have set up this organization and this site to advocate on behalf of those using baclofen for alcoholism and other addictions. Ever wonder why alcohol doesnt affect you the same now as it did pre sci. Now if i stop taking baclofen, the alcohol cravings return in a weeks, they are very over powering. Further research was then done concerning baclofen and alcohol that discover another use for the versatile drug. Another major difference between baclofen and other alcohol addiction treatments is in how it came into widespread use. It is not exactly clear how the drug works, but it may work by inhibiting certain nerve signals in the body. Baclofenforalcoholism submitted 4 years ago by neophyte announcement. Results for baclofen for alcoholism 1 10 of 25 sorted by relevance date.
606 775 1035 1395 492 718 1407 633 964 832 34 1045 39 371 1252 203 272 1638 1281 1280 1516 743 315 961 52 1507 1645 1498 1270 1598 1253 313 760 1596 978 340 806 1213 1148 968 311 1110 365 509 810