Approval for drug to help alcoholics

Official medicines agency Agence Française du Médicament (AFM) has authorised case-by-case use for alcoholism of baclofen, a drug which in some people reduces the urge to drink.

It is usually prescribed as a muscle relaxant for neurological problems, but increasing numbers of doctors have already been giving it to alcoholics – previously against the rules.

However AFM now confirms there are “clinical benefits in certain patients” treated with the drug, which is given under the brand names of Liorésal and Baclofène Zentiva.

Interest was first sparked in 2008 when cardiologist Olivier Ameisen wrote a book – Le Dernier Verre (the last glass) – in which he claimed his alcoholism was cured by the drug. It made him feel indifferent towards alcohol, he said. An academic study recently showed effectiveness in 58% of patients, despite certain side effects which can include tiredness at the start of treatment. Afssaps, a body in charge of the safety of medicines, has launched a one-year patient trial.

A member of the English-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous network in France said alcoholism is a “very common problem” in the English-speaking community here. “There are different theories, but I think drink here is cheaper and easier to get hold of and it’s easier to just sit there and drink, particularly if you’re retired. That’s the lifestyle here, you can drink at any time.”

She said the new treatment may be of interest, however it remains essential for an alcoholic to totally cut out drink. “We believe the only thing is abstinence – and you have to want to stop.” You may be an alcoholic if you need to drink every day, she said, especially if it causes you to act unreasonably. It is not necessarily a question of the amount you drink.

“Alan”, who runs English-speaking AA groups in Normandy (www.aabassenor mandie.com) said he thought the problem was increasing in the expat community, though he had not seen any figures to back this impression up.

“I’ve seen tragic cases of expats, usually where they have moved to get away from financial or social problems in the UK rather than because they love France. They are in an unhappy position and don’t learn French. That’s a typical case, though of course many expats drink normally.”

He added: “A lot of people came when property prices were more favourable, but things have got worse for them because of the exchange rate. Also, retired people may find once the work factor is taken away, latent alcoholism develops. It is a question of whether the circumstances allow it to come out.”

Pills might be able to help initially but it takes a daily effort to change your lifestyle for long-term success, he said.

The English-speaking AA network (www.tinyurl.com/FrenchAAGroups) is attached to the British structure and was started about 15 years ago by expats. The areas with the biggest presence are the south-west, Paris and the Riviera. There is also a French branch of the AA (www.alcooliques-anonymes.fr).