Anti-smoking drug ‘may fight alcohol addiction’
A drug which was developed to reduce cravings for cigarettes may also help people with alcohol addiction, it has emerged.
Recent research at the Yale School of Medicine discovered that varenicline may have dual benefits.
During the study, people who both smoked and drank heavily were much less likely to crave alcohol after taking the drug than those who were given a placebo.
Lead author Sherry McKee, associate professor of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, said the findings may prompt further research to ascertain whether varenicline may be effective for alcohol addiction.
"A medication such as varenicline, which may target shared biological systems in alcohol and nicotine use, holds promise as a treatment for individuals with both disorders," she added.
The Scottish government recently announced tough new legislation on drinking, despite facing opposition from some members of parliament.
It calls for the purchasing age to be raised to 21 and a minimum price per unit to be implemented.
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