Brain scans reveal how nalmefene may curb alcohol cravings

This study looked at how nalmefene, a drug that blocks opioid receptors, changes brain activity and drinking behavior in heavy drinkers. Thirteen healthy heavy drinkers took nalmefene or a placebo and had brain scans while seeing alcohol-related cues. They also could self-administer alcohol through an IV. The goal was to see if the drug's effects depend on a specific gene (OPRM1). This was an early-phase study focused on understanding, not treatment.