I was fascinated to learn about Dr. Olivier Ameisen's struggle with alcoholism and his recovery using Baclofen in his book, "Heal Thyself: A Doctor at the Peak of his Medical Career, Destroyed by Alcohol and the Personal Miracle That Brought Him Back" (Ameisen, 2009). Dr. Ameisen, a prominent French doctor came to the U.S. in the 1980's and was part of the cardiology team at New York Hospital and Cornell University Medical College.
Baclofen, as you may know is a muscle relaxant. In line with Dr. Ameisen's experience it has more recently been used and researched for the treatment of alcohol dependence and withdrawal. It has also been used for cocaine and opiate dependence.
In my work helping clients with alcohol use I have come across some clients who had Baclofen prescribed for muscle spasms but found that it decreased their anxiety and alcohol cravings dramatically. There has been a few times that I have seen it prescribed by a psychiatrist "off-label" for alcohol cravings. In some instances psychiatrists were reluctant to continue a previous doctors's presciption for Baclofen although the patient reported its help with abstention of alcohol and lack of side effects. This may be related to doctor's traditional prescribing practices despite efficacy for patients according to Ameisen.
There are many factors to consider here and more research is likely needed. I am not a medical doctor and could not speak to the physiological complexities involved with Baclofen's use. I am only sharing my interest as a psychotherapist specializing in substance abuse and am open to hear your thoughts and experiences. Below are summaries of Dr. Amiesen's self-case report and a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, both published in the journal, Alcohol and Alcoholism.
Complete and prolonged suppression of symptoms and consequences of alcohol-dependence using high-dose baclofen: a self-case report of a physician
Dose–Response Effect of Baclofen in Reducing Daily Alcohol Intake in Alcohol Dependence: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Baclofen, as you may know is a muscle relaxant. In line with Dr. Ameisen's experience it has more recently been used and researched for the treatment of alcohol dependence and withdrawal. It has also been used for cocaine and opiate dependence.
In my work helping clients with alcohol use I have come across some clients who had Baclofen prescribed for muscle spasms but found that it decreased their anxiety and alcohol cravings dramatically. There has been a few times that I have seen it prescribed by a psychiatrist "off-label" for alcohol cravings. In some instances psychiatrists were reluctant to continue a previous doctors's presciption for Baclofen although the patient reported its help with abstention of alcohol and lack of side effects. This may be related to doctor's traditional prescribing practices despite efficacy for patients according to Ameisen.
There are many factors to consider here and more research is likely needed. I am not a medical doctor and could not speak to the physiological complexities involved with Baclofen's use. I am only sharing my interest as a psychotherapist specializing in substance abuse and am open to hear your thoughts and experiences. Below are summaries of Dr. Amiesen's self-case report and a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, both published in the journal, Alcohol and Alcoholism.
Complete and prolonged suppression of symptoms and consequences of alcohol-dependence using high-dose baclofen: a self-case report of a physician
Dose–Response Effect of Baclofen in Reducing Daily Alcohol Intake in Alcohol Dependence: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
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