For initiation by specialists in substance misuse

Adjunct in acute alcohol withdrawal

Restricted to Specialist Substance Misuse Services only (as per the local authority public health approved pathways)

Reach Out Recovery (CRI) in Birmingham. Single point of contact 24/7 Tel: 0121 227 5890 Link Reach Out Recovery website

Swanswell in Sandwell Tel: 0121 553 1333 Link to Swanswell website

SIAS in Solihull Tel:0121 301 3600 Link to SIAS website

The Nalmefen for reducung alcohol consumption technology appraisal (TA325) recommends this drug as a possible treatment for people with alcohol dependence who:

• are still drinking more than 7.5 units per day (men) and more than 5 units per day (women) 2 weeks after an initial assessement and
• do  not have physical withdrawal symptoms and
• do not need to either stop drinking straight away or stop drinkling completely

The guidance also recommends that nalmefene should only be prescribed in conjunction with continuous psychosocial support focused on treatment adherence and reducing alcohol consumption

Useful as an adjunct in the treatment of alcohol dependence after a successful withdrawal