Emerging treatments
Ondansetron
This selective 5-HT3 antagonist has demonstrated some efficacy in terms of outcomes in randomised controlled trials in patients with alcohol-use disorder receiving behavioural therapy. In particular, when classifying these patients into early-onset alcoholism (onset before age 25) and late-onset alcoholism (onset after age 25), ondansetron has demonstrated efficacy in early-onset alcoholism patients.[55][70][112][113][114] Research suggests that ondansetron may be useful in decreasing alcohol consumption and increasing abstinence in patients with a certain genotype (LL) of the 5-HTT gene (LL/LS/SS).[115]
Computer and internet-based interventions
Computer and internet-based interventions are newer forms of delivering brief interventions and may be effective for reducing unhealthy alcohol use.[116][117] A review of nine studies supports the potential for these treatments to foster positive behavioural changes, but more investigation is needed given the lack of standardised treatments being used via the computer and the internet.[118] In a meta-analysis evaluating the comparative efficacy of face-to-face interventions versus computer-based interventions at reducing alcohol use, face-to-face interventions decreased drinking measures more than computer-based interventions and maintained those benefits for a longer period of time.[119] Investigations suggest that specially designed, computer-delivered interventions may have a role in the treatment and prevention of unhealthy drinking in university students.[120][121]
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