Some people are just having a hard time cutting back on alcohol. They are the ones who drink a few glasses before going to sleep or reach out to a bottle as they try to beat stress. However, too much alcohol over the long term is detrimental to one's health.
This is one of the lifestyle factors that lead to serious health risks including cancer like liver cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes. It also makes someone vulnerable to obesity especially the visceral type (that's why it's also called a beer belly).
If you think you're one of these people, then there's a drug for you. It's called nalmefene.
The drug, developed by Lundbeck, also has another name called Selincro. Its main job is to suppress your desire for alcohol, so you can wean yourself off it over time.
This pill, however, isn't available for everyone. For example, alcoholics who need immediate medical or psychological intervention may not be an ideal candidate for the drug. Rather, it's meant for people who consume around half a bottle a day, or 7.5 units for males and 5 units for females. They are also those who are less likely to be aware that they have an alcohol problem. These are also men and women who are able to maintain other responsibilities such as family and work. They just need something to control their love for alcohol.
The pills, which are sold for £3, aren't available over the counter and that they should be prescribed alongside other forms of treatment, including social support or counseling. However, if you think you need it, you can request it from your doctor. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has established some guidelines or a set of recommendations this week.
