Effect of Haloperidol on Alcohol Craving in Patients with Alcohol Dependence

Lee, Dae Su; Kim, Myung Jung; Kim, Sung Gon

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was aimed at investigating the effect of haloperidol on alcohol craving in patients wih alcohol dependence.
METHODS
Eighteen patients with alcohol dependence were divided randomly into two groups of nine patients each: one haloperidol group and the other, placebo group. The medication for each group was done for 14 days. Alcohol craving and difficulty in resisting drinking were measured on day 1 and day 14, each consisting of a series of four assessments. Assessment 0 was basal levels. Assessment 1 was made 3 hours after medication. Assessment 2 was made after alcohol intake in a dose of 0.4gm of 100% alcohol/kg body weight and assessment 3 was done after the second alcohol intake in the same amount.
RESULTS
The results were as follows: 1) With acute treatment, placebo group showed a significant increase in alcohol craving whereas haloperidol group did not show any change after the first and second alcohol intake. 2) With chronic treatment, both groups showed significant increase in the alcohol craving after alcohol intake. 3) Haloperidol did not increase difficulty in resisting drinking after acute treatment, however, with chronic treatment, it resulted in a significant increase of the difficulty in resisting drinking.
CONCLUSIONS
From these results, the authors suggest that an acute treatment of haloperidol lowers alcohol craving in patients with alcohol dependence, but the effect does not maintain itself with chronic treatment.