Nalmefene attenuates neural alcohol cue-reactivity in the ventral striatum and subjective alcohol craving in patients with alcohol use disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Alcohol use disorder is a common and devastating mental illness for which satisfactory treatments are still lacking. Nalmefene, as an opioid receptor modulator, could pharmacologically support the reduction of drinking by reducing the (anticipated) rewarding effects of alcohol and expanding the range of treatment options. It has been hypothesized that nalmefene acts via an indirect modulation of the mesolimbic reward system. So far, only a few imaging findings on the neuronal response to nalmefene are available.

Objectives

We tested the effect of a single dose of 18 mg nalmefene on neuronal cue-reactivity in the ventral and dorsal striatum and subjective craving.

Methods

Eighteen non-treatment-seeking participants with alcohol use disorder (67% male, M = 50.

SUBMITTER: Karl D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8292278 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature