title: Reducing the desire to drink. Pharmacology and neurobiology.
abstract: The past decade has witnessed major advances in understanding of neural functioning and neurobiological bases of alcohol consumption. Concurrent with this, a range of exciting investigations have been conducted on pharmacologic agents that may curb drinking behavior. Research is reviewed on several promising medications influencing neurotransmitter and endocrine systems with particular attention to the serotonergic and opioid systems. Following this overview, recommendations are offered regarding research methodology to support future pharmacotherapy trials.
authors.affiliation: Treatment Research Branch, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, Maryland 20857.
authors.forename: R Z
authors.initials: RZ
authors.lastname: Litten
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Allen
mesh_terms: D000427:Alcohol Deterrents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000818:Animals; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000427:Alcohol Deterrents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter