Alcoholism in Britain? There’s a Pill for That

Everything’s coming up binge drinkers!

Britain’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the use of Nalmefene, a drug that curbs alcohol dependence. NICE serves the English and Welsh National Health Services (NHS) which allows both nations to join Scotland in prescribing the drug.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) approved Nalmefene last year to combat the country’s considerably higher rate of alcohol-related deaths, but all three nations require counseling along with the pill.

Got your acronyms down?

NICE expects 35,000 people to receive the Chantix of alcohol dependency in the first year, but only 53 people in Scotland were prescribed the drug since it hit the market.

Chalk it up to denial?

Since a recent study showed that most Americans who think they might be alcoholics are just excessive drinkers, the target demographic for Nalmefene, the drug may soon be Food and Drug Administration (FDA–acronym game strong) approved for more than opioid dependence.

Whether or not this use of the drug crosses the pond, it’s an interesting, albeit pricey, way to deal with a growing problem.

Pop Quiz: Still remember those acronyms?

H/T: The Guardian