Nalmefene For Reduction Of Alcohol Consumption In Specific Target Populations

Nalmefene is used to reduce alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol dependence. Use comprises identifying patients who exhibit a high Drinking Risk Level (DRL), defined as pure alcohol consumption >60 g/day for men and >40 g/day for women, and who maintain this DRL throughout a 1-2 week observation period following initial assessment. Nalmefene is administered to these identified patients on an as-needed basis, specifically on days the patient perceives a risk of drinking alcohol, preferably 1-2 hours prior to the anticipated time of consumption. The invention targets patients with alcohol dependence as defined by DSM-IV-TR or DSM-V criteria, specifically those who are not "Early Reducers" during the observation period.