Summer House

WorldWideAddiction.com — Addiction is a very complex subject. The following is short explanation of it.

Substance addiction is a double edged sword. It is a physical compulsion coupled with a mental obsession with the substance being the focus. Because it attacks from these two fronts, it is an extremely hard problem to deal with. The disease is progressive, incurable and fatal, but can be arrested at almost any stage.

There is more and more evidence mounting to suggest that it is a genetic condition, an inherited intolerance. Addiction is a disease that affects around 5% of the worlds’ population. The disease concept I will expand on in another article, as this is a controversial subject.

A person having a genetic predisposition to the disease is usually not aware of it. The threshold between abuse and addiction is invisible and different in all individual sufferers. Some people can be successful social drinkers for years, and then - literally overnight, become alcoholic. Others, like myself, are addicted from the first experience.

The pattern of addiction is this:

- A drug is consumed and creates a desirable effect (not necessarily a high, it may be just a feeling of contentment or oblivion or pain relief)

- The behavior is repeated because of the desired effects

- The brain builds a tolerance to the substance, so it takes more each time to achieve the same effect. As addiction sets in, these original sensations that are pursued are never achieved again.

- The brain becomes "used" to the substance and creates triggers when the substance is not used to turn the persons attention towards it (cravings).

- After a period , the person is spending more time thinking about the drug and therefore retarding mental and emotional growth as these thought patterns become deeply entrenched. Aside from the undesirable effects of the abuse of the drug itself, one of the outcomes of being so preoccupied with the substance is that it prevents healthy relationships from being formed and maintained.

- After a further period of time, the brain also sends out physical indicators when the drug is not being used (sweating, shaking), known as withdrawals. These physical symptoms are caused by a release of chemicals that occurs while the drug is being used, especially in the case of CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants such as alcohol. The drug is depressing the CNS, so the brain counteracts with "stimulants" in an attempt to achieve balance. When the consumption of the drug is suddenly stopped, the brain is continuing to produce these chemicals at high concentrations which effectively send the body and brain into "overload". This overload can present itself in grand mal seizures and can be severe enough to cause death. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs to withdraw from.

- Because the sufferer is caught between the states of either being under the influence, recovering from the last consumption or thinking about the next one, their lives and the lives of all those around them become severely affected. High absenteeism from employment due to intoxication/associated physical illness and the expense of the substance leads to loss of work, social standing, financial security and self esteem. This sparks off a whole series of problems within self and family. If the person is approached by a loved one about the problem, this can create a strong defensive reaction. Lying and deceit now sets in.

If the drug is illegal, usage creates a network of people around the sufferer who are in the same situation to ensure a constant supply. Because substances sometimes cost a great deal of money, the person learns the "tricks of the trade" to procure it - mainly prostitution and theft. What would have at one stage be considered "insanity" by the sufferer, slowly becomes normal as this network of people begins to play a bigger role in their life. 

Because most drugs decrease inhibition and impair areas of the brain which control aggression and memory, incidents occur whilst under the influence which would be considered out of character for the person. As periods of intoxication increase, so do the incidents. As the impairment to these areas of the brain increase, the incidents may become more violent. Once again what was considered "insane" now becomes normal for the person.

The above pattern is repeated many times and becomes ingrained, so even when the usage is totally stopped, many of the thought patterns and coping mechanisms are still there. Ceasing the consumption is not enough, the sufferer needs to learn how to cope mentally and emotionally through life without the substance and how to integrate back into mainstream society again. This can take many years.

Even after long periods of cessation from the substance, the brain remembers it. When the addict begins using again, the downhill slide is very quick. You do not get to start from scratch. Addiction does not disappear. It’s in me….but it sleeps…. I am lucky that recognize I now have a conscious choice whether I wake it or not.

Addiction is not a weak person’s "designer disease". It just makes people weak……

Its very simple, substance abuse effects body functioning. Drug use can lead to long term physiological effects that can not only be acutely harmful, but can also result in chronic problems. The use of drugs is not the only issue. It is all the harmful behaviors that come along with substance abuse that tend to make matters worse.
 

Substance abuse harms the body in two distinct ways: via the effect of the substance itself and via negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating habits and poor dietary intake. For example, infants who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb often have physical defects and mental disabilities. In this case, the growing fetus has deficits both directly caused by the substance crossing the placenta and indirectly due to inadequate nutrition of the mother while she was drinking.
 

Recovery from substance abuse involves many different components, including proper organ functioning, assuring mental well being and proper metabolism. A huge factor in the healing process is proper nutrient supply. Nutrients are essential for not only for energy, but also to keep the immune system strong which helps to fight off infection and keep one strong.
 

Though it is clear that substance use in general is not healthy, like anything else, different substances have different effects on the body. In this article we will discuss a few of the more popular drug categories and how they each can affect body functioning.

Opiates

Which Drugs Are Opiates?
 

This category includes: codeine, morphine, and heroin. All of these affect the gastrointestinal system. One of the main symptoms associated with opiate use is constipation. When one withdraws from opiates classic symptoms of withdrawal include: diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. The danger here lies primarily in a depletion of valuable nutrients and electrolytes. This includes imbalance in the amount of potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium. Electrolytes are important for a variety of things, including proper cardiac, or heart, functioning.
 

To combat the severity of these symptoms, one should eat meals that are balanced (i.e. proper amounts of vegetables, grains, fats, and proteins). A high fiber diet with things such as whole grains, beans, peas and vegetables is advisable due to constipation associated with opiate use.
 

Alcohol
 

Out of all the drugs utilized in the US, alcohol is the major cause of nutritional deficiencies. The most prominent deficiencies include the following:
 

* Pyridoxine or Vitamin B-6
* Thiamine
* Folic Acid
 

An individual lacking in these nutrients may develop anemia which is a low blood count, for women a deficiency in folic acid can cause poor pregnancies, and B vitamin deficiency can also cause neurological problems. Lack of thiamine (B1) in particular, can lead to Korsakoff’s syndrome. It is important to understand that it is not necessarily the alcohol that cause the disorder, but the effect of alcohol of the absorption of nutrients that is damaging.
 

Alcohol damages the liver and pancreas in particular. These two organs are necessary for detoxification and processing (liver) and the pancreas effects blood sugar and absorption of fat. If these two organs are not working properly, one can have an imbalance of fluids, calories and electrolytes.
 

Permanent damage can take place in the form of cirrhosis which is liver damage, diabetes, seizures and malnutrition. Liver damage can also result in decreased clotting factors, which means an individual has the chance of bleeding unnecessarily. Women also have an increased risk for osteoporosis and may require calcium supplementation.
 

Stimulants

What is a stimulant?
 

This includes cocaine, methamphetamine and cocaine. Use of these drugs can lead to a decrease in appetite and weight loss which will eventually lead to malnutrition. As the name implies, stimulants stimulate the body thereby causing many users to stay awake for unhealthy periods of time. This can range from one night of missed sleep, to being awake for days at a time. This may result in dehydration and subsequent electrolyte imbalance. One should return to a normal, balance diet which may be difficult given the abuse the body has suffered especially if there has been severe weight loss.
 

The Marijuana Munchies
 

Marijuana can increase appetite, which, in chronic users can lead to being overweight. For these individuals it is probably best to cut back on sugar, fat and overall caloric intake.
 

Nutrition and psychological aspects of substance abuse
When people feel better, they are less likely to relapse. Since balanced nutrition helps improve mood and health, it is important to encourage an improved diet in people recovering from alcohol and other drug problems. Individuals recovering from substance abuse have just given up a huge part of their life and for this reason, it is better for these individuals to focus on not using again as opposed to putting all their energy into a drastic diet change.

How to Incorporate a Healthy Diet into Recovery
 

Perhaps the most important thing for prior substance abusers to remember is routine. For instance, regular meals throughout the day are recommended. An increase in proteins, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber are highly recommended. Due to the irregularity of diet that tends to accompany substance abuse, most individuals will needs to supplement diet with vitamins and minerals. As every individual is different, it is recommended that recovering addicts meet with a dietician. A trained professional can then develop a plan that is specific to the person’s needs. The vitamins that are most often lacking include zinc, vitamins A and C and most of the B vitamins.
 

Keeping Your Sugar Steady Can Decrease Cravings
 

As many drug addicts do not eat regularly, they may forget what it feels like to really be hungry. Not eating steadily can cause a fluctuation in blood sugar levels which can lead to feelings of unsteadiness throughout the day. For a recovering addict, these feelings may be interpreted as drug cravings which could lead to one using. This is yet another reason to keep a steady and healthy intake of food.
 

The Importance of Water
 

Dehydration is common for substance users and it is very important to emphasize the need for fluids during and in between meals. As appetite can return during recovery, it is important to emphasize fluid intake as well as proper food consumption. For all the reasons discussed prior, it would be detrimental to recovery for an individual to begin eating the high calorie foods with little to no nutritional value due to all the abuse the body has already endured. Drinking water will help the body to absorb nutrients which is something most of these individuals are lacking.

Substance abuse recovery is a difficult road to follow. Good nutrition is something that can help to make that road a little easier to walk down. Encouraging healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, is something concerned loved one can do to help ensure the people in their lives stay clean.

The body’s reaction to the removal of a substance it has become dependent on is called withdrawal. Withdrawal causes craving for more of the substance being removed. The period of time when the body is trying to overcome its addiction is called detoxifica-tion (detox). Detox is the first step in overcoming a substance addiction such as drugs or alcohol. Detox is a pertinent step for the patient is to be successfully rehabilitated.
 

Opiate drugs such as heroin and methadone, and prescription medications including Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Xanax, Vicodin and Lortab, require medical detox supervision. There are however, other illegal drugs such as marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, and cocaine that do not require medical detox. Since there is psychological dependence associated with these drugs, it would be wise to complete a period of stabilization. The process of drug detox requires the patient to be closely monitored by keeping vital signs, giving support and administering medications if needed. There are numerous withdrawal symptoms or side effects when a patient stops or dramatically reduces drugs after heavy or prolonged use. Those side effects include: sweating, shaking, headaches, drug cravings, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, sleeplessness, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes.
There are two commonly used drugs to enable the patient to feel relief from these symptoms. First, Klonepin, which reduces physical symptoms, and Buprenophex, which is an anticonvulsant. These drugs must also be monitored as cessation produces withdrawal symptoms. Generally, the time period for drug detox is three to seven days under medically monitored supervision.
 

Alcohol detox, like drug detox, is usually accomplished in an inpatient medical facility. Duncan Raistrick identifies the key to a successful, planned detoxification is preparation. Raistrick goes further to detail that the first job of therapy is to bring the patient to a point of readiness to change their drinking behavior. Second, patients need to be given accurate information about what to expect during detoxification.
 

There are two withdrawal categories: minor, meaning early withdrawal and major, meaning late. The severity of withdrawal depends greatly on the duration of alcohol used. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) falls into three main categories: central nervous system (CNS) excitation, excessive function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and cognitive dysfunction.5 Richard Saitz, M.D., M.P.H., states, since alcohol enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid’s (GABA) inhibitory effects on signal-receiving neurons, neuronal activity is lowered. This lowering leads to an increase in excitatory glutamate receptors. Tolerance occurs as GABA receptors become less responsive to neurotransmitters, which in turn requires more alcohol to produce the same inhibitory effect. During detox, the GABA is ineffective and unable to suppress the excitatory glutamate receptors. Detox is intended to relieve physical symptoms such as: shaking or tremors, headaches, vomiting, sweating, restlessness, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, Delirium Tremens (DT’s), hyperactivity, and convulsions. Alcohol detox medications are similar to drug detox medications: Buprenophex, certain benzodiazepines and anticonvulsant medications. Alcohol detox completion can take from three to fourteen days.
 

Norman S. Miller notes that medical management of alcohol and drug withdrawal during detoxification often is not sufficient to produce sustained abstinence from recurrent use. Therefore, further addiction treatments are needed to prevent relapse to alcohol and drug use following treatment of withdrawal.
 

In conclusion, drug and alcohol detoxification can effectively prepare the addicted abuser for rehabilitation and treatment.
 

Some physicians believe the withdrawal phase is related closely to the drug addiction - the worse the withdrawal, the more likely the continued use of the chemical to prevent withdrawal. Several factors are key to successful detoxification.
 

1. Acknowledge that there is a problem and decide to do something about it.
2. Get rid of all the drugs and paraphernalia.
3. Drop friends and associates that are tied to our drug problem.
4. Seek and accept spousal support, or support from friends, or relatives.
5. Prepare for symptoms with the support of a professional.
6. If tranquilizer drugs are needed for a few days or longer, they must be handled sensitively, as one addiction can easily replace another.

Since the 1960s, many addicts have reported that even a single dose of ibogaine, a hallucinogenic alkaloid extracted from the root of an African shrub, helps them kick their habit by reducing their cravings for drugs. And there is hard evidence to back these claims, as well. Ibogaine was first introduced as a potential treatment for opiate addiction by Howard Lotsof, who took the drug in 1962 looking for a psychedelic experience, and awoke 30 hours later with no cravings and no withdrawal symptoms, despite being a heavy heroin user at the time. Lotsof was able to develop and follow an ibogaine maintenance program, which he then followed for three years while remaining opiate free. In 1986, Lotsof opened a company by the name of NDA International to advocate for the use and research of ibogaine and its active constituents as anti-addictive compounds.

Since ibogaine aides in the cessation of addiction, it started to be used to deal with opiates and other substance addictions. Ibogaine has only been introduced to Western scientific medicine but has documented use by the Bwiti tribe in Central Africa for centuries. At lower doses ibogaine has the ability to increase energy and mental alertness and appears to decrease the desire for food and drink. Higher doses (20+ mg/kg) of ibogaine have a larger psychoactive property, and is used ritualistically in initiation rites for its potent hallucinogenic properties.
 

Barbara E. Judd, CSW did a study on ibogaine and stated that the most difficult aspects of treatment are getting the patient to enter treatment.  She notes that the three major obstacles are the fear of detoxification lack of insight, and the inability of patients to control their urges to use drugs. It was in these three areas where she felt the benefits of ibogaine treatment far outweighed those of traditional methods. Judd further states that psychological fear of pain and withdrawal prevents many addicts from even attempting detox. Addicts feared having to deal with the emotions that lead them to use in the first place. Judd adds that when patients learn the benefits of ibogaine they are more willing to try it.
 

Like all forms of detox, ibogaine is not without risks and side effects. At therapeutic doses, ibogaine has an active window of 24 to 48 hours, is often physically and mentally exhausting and produces ataxia for as long as twelve hours. Nausea that may lead to vomiting is not uncommon throughout the experience. These side effects reduce the attractiveness of ibogaine as a recreational drug at therapeutic doses, however, at lower doses ibogaine is known to have stimulant effects. It is still a controversial and experimental drug and there are some cases of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
 

There are two types of ibogaine treatment. The first type of treatment is oriented toward addiction, most commonly heroin dependence, and typically involves dosages in the range of 15 to 25 mg/ kg .5-8 The second type of treatment, also know as “initiatory," involves a dosage on the order of 8 to 12 mg/kg, or about half of the dose used for addiction and is used for spiritual insight and facilitating psychotherapy.  In addition to reducing craving, ibogaine often promotes a sense of wellbeing that can last from weeks to months. As the studies into the nature of ibogaine progress, scientists have discovered that ibogaine’s anti-additive properties are actually two-fold. First, when the substance is consumed, the body produces a chemical called noribogaine. Noribogaine blocks the brain’s receptors that control cravings. Noribogaine also increases dopamine and serotonin levels, which elevate feelings of wellbeing.

So while ibogaine is not a substitute for drugs, and is not addictive, ibogaine is a chemical dependence disruption and a chance for patients to get a head start on recovery. Ibogaine enables the patient to focus on the underlying causes of addiction without going through the intense withdrawal symptoms that accompany most types of detoxification. And, even if there are some remaining symptoms after ibogaine detox they are more tolerable than other detox approaches. Studies show that ibogaine has the ability to drastically attenuate drug withdrawal in all patients and, in 90 percent of treated patients during one case study, to interrupt the patient’s craving to continue drug use for periods of time ranging from as short as two days to as long as two and a half years from a single treatment.

Close to a million Americans are treated for alcoholism on a daily basis. For the past 3 decades, the majority of treatments have been empirical and the success of the treatments has never been verified by clinical trials. The numerous methods developed in the treatment of alcohol addiction include the use of medications, psychological, social, behavioral methods and self help groups- all designed to help achieve abstinence from alcohol.

The initial approaches to alcohol treatment were all based on self help and over the years the 12-step self help program has become the gold standard. Other treatments include brief interventions by visiting the primary care physician or trained nurses. Behavioral and psychosocial support therapies have evolved over years and generally involve long term therapy. Over the last 2 decades, motivational enhancement therapy and involvement of the non-drinking spouse have evolved and produced good results.
Of course, over the past 4 decades, pharmacological approaches to alcoholism treatment have made some progress, but the ideal drug still remains to be discovered.

Alcoholism Treatment

The majority of individuals with alcohol dependence initially always deny that they have a problem and are reluctant to undergo therapy. Agreeing to undergo alcohol treatment usually occurs after the individual encounters health, family, employment or legal problems. Depending on the situation of the individual, various treatments are available to help with alcohol dependence. The initial part of the treatment involves evaluation, a brief intervention and either an in/outpatient program or counseling.

Principles of Alcohol Dependence Treatment

Before alcohol treatment can begin, one has to determine if the individual is alcohol dependent. For some who drink socially and are in control over their drinking, treatment may simply require reduction of drinking<. For those who have no control over their drinking, the best treatment is abstinence.

To maintain abstinence, the best approach is to be included with alcohol abuse therapists. These specialists can help develop specific-tailor made treatment plans, which may include objectives, behavioral modification skills, use of self-help manuals, counseling and follow-up care at a treatment center.

Non Drug Residential treatment programs

There are numerous non-drug residential alcoholism treatment institutions and include therapy to maintain abstinence, individual and group therapy, participation in alcoholism support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), educational seminars, spousal involvement, work assignments, physical and non physical activity therapy. Most of these residential programs have professional counselors and staff involved in the treatment of alcohol dependence.

All individuals undergo a complete physical and medical assessment prior to therapy. The essence of all residential programs is to commence detoxification and treatment of withdrawal symptoms that may occur. Hard-hitting psychological counseling and psychiatric treatment is offered to individuals, couples and their families. The principal emphasis of all residential programs is on recognition of the problem and motivation for abstinence. Individuals who are unable to fulfill this basic criteria usually do not succeed with therapy.

Psychological, Behavioural and Social therapy

Numerous behavioral approaches to alcohol dependence treatment include psychological therapy. The primary component of these therapies is motivational enhancement therapy. This therapy is designed to help the individual become more responsible and develop a change in his lifestyle.

Various forms of counseling are available and may involve cognitive behavior therapy to help cope with distorted/abnormal thoughts and help develop a sense of control over these thoughts and feelings.

The majority of pychological therapies often involve the non-alcoholic spouse as most studies show that couple participation increases the likelihood of abstinence from alcohol. Behavioral –marital therapy is a combination of an approach to drinking treatment while strengthening the marital relationship through sharing, teaching and communication skills

Self-Help Programs

The most common self help group in the treatment of alcohol dependence is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This is one of the most common and easily available group in any community.

Alcoholics usually get involved with AA before seeking professional help, as a part of it, or as aftercare following professional treatment. Although anecdotal data on the success of AA are plentiful, results indicate that inpatient treatment, a combination of professional treatment and AA, will achieve better results for more people than AA alone. The reason why AA has been beneficial as a treatment for alcohol addiction includes isolating the individual from his social network of alcoholic friends, providing psychological/social support, teaching coping skills and structured behavior treatment.

Physician intervention

Some indivuals receive counseling from primary care physicians and trained nursing professionals. This consists of numerous office visits and counseling. The majority of these brief interventions help those with acute alcoholic crises. Following the brief intervention, all individuals are recommended to enter specialized treatment programs if the alcohol consumption continues.

Drug Treatments

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is an alcohol-sensitizing drug which has been around for at least 40 years. It was the first drug used for aversion therapy. It provides a strong deterrent to alcohol. It is not a cure and does not decrease the craving for alcohol. If taken before an alcoholic drink, it causes a severe reaction that includes nausea, vomiting, facial flushing and headaches. The drug is rarely used today as the severe reaction is not tolerated and most alcoholics are reluctant to take it.

Naltrexone (ReVia), is an antagonist of morphine and has been found to decrease the urge to drink. As is the case with all addiction disorders, however, naltrexone is only effective if taken on a regular basis.

Acamprosate (Campral) is a drug that decreases alcohol cravings and helps maintain abstinence from alcohol. Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate have fewer side effects and do not produce serious nausea and vomiting if alcohol is consumed.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable drug to treat alcohol dependence. Vivitrol, a drug similar to naltrexone is administered by an intramuscular injection in the buttocks monthly. It has been shown to decrease the urge to drink by blocking neuro receptors/transmitters that may be coupled with alcohol dependence. Vivitrol has no effect on the withdrawal symptoms due to alcohol. The drug is recommended for use by alcoholics who are undergoing psychosocial therapy and have not consumed any alcohol in the recent past. The drug is also available as a pill, but it has been found that the injectable formulation is easier for individuals recovering from alcohol dependence and only has to be administered once a month.

Even though some drugs may reduce alcohol drinking, it is highly recommended that individuals enter in aftercare programs and prop up groups to help prevent relapse and encourage motivational behavioral and life style changes.

Conclusion

Research supports the idea of using drugs as an adjunct to the psychosocial/behavioral therapy for alcohol abuse and dependence. However, additional clinical trials are needed to identify those patients who will most likely benefit from such an approach, to determine the most appropriate medications for different individuals, to develop optimal dosing formulas, and to develop strategies for improving patient compliance with medication protocols.

With continued research on the effect of alcohol on the brain and behavior, hopefully this will lead to the magic pill. Drugs to decrease alcohol craving are around but specific medications are still missing. In the meantime, the combination of drug therapy and the use of behavioral therapies are the best hope for recovery of the individual -and the lives of loved ones-who suffer from alcohol abuse and dependence.

BBC News — Twin research projects have offered both present and future hope to people suffering from alcohol addiction.

US researchers say that epilepsy drug topiramate boosts general health as well as cutting the craving for drink.

A UK specialist said the potential side-effects of topiramate still merited caution.

A separate project showed that a single injection of a protein into the brains of rats almost immediately stopped them wanting alcohol.

Topiramate is not licensed in the UK for the treatment of alcohol addiction, although doctors are allowed to prescribe it if they wish, and occasionally do.

The latest study results, published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, could increase the number of doctors willing to do this.

Researchers from the University of Virginia analysed the results of the US-wide trial, which took 371 people with a heavy drinking problem, and gave them either topiramate or a placebo "dummy" drug.

They found, that over 14 weeks, those taking topiramate not only had fewer obsessive thoughts and compulsions about using alcohol, but had generally improving health.

Their weight, cholesterol and blood pressure dropped, and levels of liver enzymes linked to "fatty liver" disease, the forerunner of cirrhosis, also fell away.

Lead researcher Professor Bankole Johnson said: "What we’ve found is that topiramate treats the alcohol addiction, not just the ’symptom’ of drinking."

Side effects

Dr Jonathan Chick, a specialist in the psychiatry of addiction, welcomed the results, particularly the figures which proved better health, rather than relying on an estimate of reduced drinking levels, which could prove misleading.

He said: "There are other drugs which were originally developed to prevent epileptic seizures, which have also shown promise in reducing relapse in alcoholism, but topiramate is so far the most convincing."

However, he said that his own limited use of topiramate had been very carefully monitored to minimise the powerful side-effects of the drug.

In the other study, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal reported on a study in rats carried out at the University of California at San Francisco.

The scientists injected a brain protein called GDNF directly into a part of the brain called the ventral tegmental area, which is thought to be heavily involved in "drug-seeking" behaviour.

The rats were placed in an environment designed to mimic human social drinking, with a lever that could be pushed to deliver an alcoholic drink.

Rat rehab

The protein began working almost immediately, with effects noticed within 10 minutes.

The research also suggested that other cravings were unaffected, as the rats’ desire for their supply of sugary water continued unabated.

In addition, once treated with GDNF, rats seemed to be less likely to "relapse" to alcoholism after a "rehab" situation, in which the alcohol supply was cut off for a period of time, then reintroduced.

"Our findings open the door to a promising new strategy to combat alcohol abuse, addiction and especially relapse," said lead author Dr Dorit Ron.

Dr Chick said that there had been various attempts to interfere directly with the brain systems controlling alcohol cravings, although these had only achieved "mixed success" when transferred from experimental animals to humans.