Brain scans reveal how nalmefene may curb alcohol cravings

This early-phase study tested whether nalmefene, a drug that blocks opioid receptors, changes how heavy drinkers' brains respond to alcohol-related cues and how much alcohol they choose to self-administer. Thirteen healthy heavy drinkers (over 15 drinks/week for women, 20 for men) received nalmefene or a placebo during separate visits, then underwent brain scans and a computer-based alcohol self-infusion task. The study also looked at whether a specific gene variation (OPRM1) influenced these effects, aiming to understand the brain mechanisms behind alcohol use.