Naltrexone, which, as mentioned above, is another drug used in treating alcoholism, is used to prevent relapse in those who have stopped drinking altogether. In fact it is only licensed to be given to alcoholics who have ceased drinking.(Although naltrexone is also used by some who have not stopped drinking)

In contrast, Nalmefene is specifically designed to reduce alcohol consumption without having to require alcohol abstinence which is a core element in current alcoholism treatment programs (e.g. the 12 step program).

This means that the primary objective is the reduction of alcohol consumption and not a complete cessation of drinking.

Many who work in the alcoholism treatment 'industry' have misgivings about a 'magic pill' for alcoholism, and believe it to be far too complex a condition to be cured by a medication.

Th general consensus among those working in the alcoholism field is that behavioral, environmental and psychosocial changes have to be made by the individual in order to control his or her alcoholism. An alcoholic cure is a pipe-dream (at least in their opinion).

http://www.the-alcoholism-guide.org/...lcoholism.html