New drug raises hope for cure of alcoholism

A new drug to treat alcoholism which went for sale in Japan earlier this year can improve the chances of addicts quitting drinking, doctors say.
Regtect helps by improving the chemical balance in the brain to suppress a patient's craving, whereas conventional drugs discourage drinking by causing unpleasant symptoms, such as palpitations, nausea and headaches.
The first alcohol-dependence drug to be launched in Japan in 30 years, Regtect was sold in 24 other countries before getting a green signal in the alcohol-happy nation, 'Kyodo' news agency reported.
Alcohol dependence is a mental disease that renders sufferers unable to control their drinking.

Attempts to cure alcoholism through abstinence can cause shakiness, insomnia, sweating, nausea, and auditory and visual hallucinations.
While there are an estimated 800,000 alcoholics in Japan, only around 40,000 a year get treatment, the report said.
The disease can cause serious health problems, including liver, pancreas and brain damage.