What is an effective treatment for alcohol dependence?

Naltrexone is an effective treatment for alcohol dependence due to its mechanism of action as an opioid receptor antagonist. By blocking these receptors, naltrexone reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol consumption, thereby decreasing the desire to drink. It is particularly useful in helping individuals who have already achieved abstinence to maintain it by reducing cravings and the risk of relapse.

In clinical practice, naltrexone has been shown to be effective in both reducing the number of drinking days and the quantity consumed on drinking days, making it a valuable option in the overall strategy to manage alcohol dependence.

Other treatments, such as disulfiram, act through different mechanisms but may not address cravings as directly as naltrexone. Aversive therapy is less commonly utilized and may not be as effective in long-term treatment compared to more evidence-based pharmacological options. Cognitive restructuring is associated more with psychotherapy rather than direct pharmacological intervention for alcohol dependence.