You can receive independent, expert advice on alcohol rehabilitation and rehab centres by telephoning DryOutNow.com on 0845 370 0203

The most important consideration in choosing a rehab centre is to match the individual to the rehab centre that is most likely to lead to a successful outcome.

DryOutNow.com can provide an assessment of all your needs and a recommendation regarding the most effective rehab placement for you, given your particular circumstances. We can provide fast, immediate access to alcohol treatment.

New research shows a correlation between genotyping and the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Researchers have discovered a direct correlation between patients with the Asp40 allele, a variation of the receptor gene OPRM1, and the drug naltrexone.

The link was found by scientists participating in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's 2001-2004 Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence Study (COMBINE Study).

In a statement the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) explained that patients with this variant gene responded positively to the drug that blocks opiate receptors in the brain thereby reducing gratification from alcohol.

Patients who were treated with naltrexone and have the Asp40 gene variant go without harmful drinking for a longer period of time, but they also consumed fewer beverages on the days they did drink.

Raymond Anton, COMBINE Study principal investigator and director of the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs at MUSC, explained the significance of the findings.

"For the first time we might have a 'personalised medical treatment' for alcoholism," he said.

"Discovery that a common genetic trait predicts treatment response to a commonly used medication should enhance its effectiveness and helps focus alcohol treatment in a cost-effective manner."

He added that these findings provide a viable solution for the 15 to 25 per cent of the population that carry the Asp40 allele.

Alcohol counselling did not have the same affect as the drug, therefore researchers conclude genotyping is most beneficial without the therapy.

Article published on 11/02/2008 by DryOutNow.com

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. DryOutNow.com also provides free resources for healthcare professionals such as medical information and alcohol treatment guidelines.

• Drug has potential to prevent alcoholics from relapsing ...... read
• BMA Scotland response to the Scottish Governments proposed strategy to tackle alcohol misuse ...... read
• Think before you drink - alcohol awareness campaign launched ...... read
• NHS Norfolk in £500,000 alcohol misuse pilot schemes ...... read
• Half a million pounds investment in alcohol services ...... read
• Drug users request more support for their families and carers ...... read
• Launch of alcohol treatment service ...... read
• New medication could offer hope for alcohol addiction ...... read
• Risky drinking in over-55s becomes the focus of new research ...... read
• Counselling during drug addiction treatment reduces unsafe sexual behaviour ...... read
• Coffee and cigarette consumption high among AA attendees ...... read
• NIDA explores exercise as drug abuse prevention tool ...... read
• Conference to look at reversing and preventing alcohol-induced dementia ...... read
• The treatment of alcoholism: How recent research impacts on clinicians ...... read
• Does gene variant make women more prone to alcoholism? ...... read
• US State policies influence drug treatment programmes ...... read
• Binge drinking findings have implications for policy makers ...... read
• Review of underage drinking prevention programmes published ...... read
• Scientifically valid prevention programmes cut rates of juvenile delinquency ...... read
• United Nations Drugs Day ...... read