Opioid antagonists for alcohol dependence.

The benefits of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, disulfiram, and lithium have not been clear for people with alcohol dependence. While the results of many studies have suggested that opioid agonists increase alcohol consumption, others have shown that mu-opioid antagonists and partial agonists reduce alcohol consumption. The results from animal studies suggest that these agents may prevent the reinforcing effects of alcohol consumption. Based on the results of those animal studies, some opioid antagonists, such as, naltrexone, nalmefene, have been studied for their benefits in treating alcohol dependence.