Combining medication with therapy

The Combine clinical trial uses traditional therapy methods with new medications. Dr. Enoch Gordis, NIAAA director, said counseling can reinforce the person's compliance with the medication and vice versa. Both therapies have the ability to produce changes in an alcoholic's brain, Gordis said.

The difficulty, however, is developing medicines that stop the craving for alcohol without stopping the desire for other things like food or companionship, said Dr. Daniel Hommer, who studies brain chemistry at NIAAA. Play video >>

Next: Genes play a role >>

<< Back: 216 drinks a week

More information on the Combine clinical trial