Can a muscle relaxant curb alcoholism? new trial results are in

NCT ID NCT01604330

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether the drug baclofen, typically used for muscle spasms, can help people with alcoholism reduce their drinking. Over 300 adults who wanted to cut back or quit took either baclofen or a placebo for a year. The main goal was to see if more people on baclofen achieved low-risk drinking or abstinence according to WHO guidelines.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Baclofen (a muscle relaxant drug)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new medication option to help people with alcoholism drink less or stay abstinent.

What could go wrong

This is a completed Phase 2/3 trial, but results may not apply to everyone. Baclofen can cause side effects like drowsiness and muscle weakness, and the optimal dose is still unclear.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOLISM are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Paris Descartes University

    Paris, 75014, France