Scientists at the University of Oregon believe that drugs that treat skin conditions like psoriasis could be a “promising” treatment for alcohol addiction. The results of the team’s research were published at: magazine Journal of Clinical Research.
We are talking about preparations containing apremilast. This molecule modulates the action of inflammatory mediators, which leads to a decrease in the inflammatory response. Researchers thought the substance would also help in the fight against alcoholism. To test their assumptions, the study’s authors conducted a series of experiments with this substance.
They tested it in two mouse models with a genetic risk for binge drinking. In all cases, apremilast reduced alcohol consumption. This is because the substance causes an increase in activity in the nucleus accumbens. This area of the brain is involved in the reward system, pleasure generation, laughter, addiction, aggression, fear, and the placebo effect.
The researchers then recruited 51 samples of alcoholics for a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The experiment continued for 11 days. As a result, the scientists’ assumption was confirmed: participants taking apremilast reduced their alcohol consumption by more than half – from five servings a day to two servings.