You can receive independent, expert advice on alcohol treatment for yourself or friends and family by telephoning DryOutNow.com on 0845 370 0203

A friend or relative of someone who is drinking heavily often recognises that this has become a problem before the person themselves. If you are in this situation, do not hesitate to call now for immediate confidential advice and support.

A new drug to help treat alcohol addiction is to be made available throughout Canada for the first time.

Campral is a prescription medicine to treat alcohol dependence which has recently been approved by the Candadian medicines regulator Health Canada.

Health Canada said the medication is effective and safe in increasing both continuous abstinence from alcohol and the number of alcohol-free days.

"Alcohol dependence is a real public health concern. It is associated with more than 18,000 deaths in Canada every year," said Dr Milan Khara, an addiction medicine physician with Vancouver Coastal Health.

"Although many patients successfully go through detoxification, the reality is the risk of relapse remains high. After more than a decade, there is now a new treatment option in Canada that is effective in helping patients abstain from alcohol.

"When used in combination with counselling or psychosocial support, Campral can play a significant role in maintaining abstinence in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients."

Campral assists in the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol and decreases withdrawal symptoms, reducing the chance of relapse.

Unlike some other treatments it has a low level of toxicity and so can be prescribed to those with liver damage.

Article published on 17/12/2007 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.

• 'Tis the season to be jolly? ...... read
• Programme to deter youth alcohol use also reduces conduct problems ...... read
• Genetic markers identified for alcohol response in UCSF Gallo study ...... read
• Current alcohol and licensing policy could be making things worse for young drinkers ...... read
• Make Scotlands roads safer - reduce drink driving limits, says BMA Scotland ...... read
• Are you a binge drinker? BMA Scotland calls for compulsory labelling of alcoholic drinks ...... read
• Les Ferdinand kicks off project to help those with drug and alcohol problems ...... read
• Ability to quit smoking may depend on ADHD symptoms, researchers find ...... read