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Alcohol Reduction
Alcohol reduction focuses on helping individuals cut down how much they drink rather than requiring immediate, total abstinence.
When you drink alcohol, it triggers the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) and dopamine in the brain's reward center. This creates a chemical "reward signal" that reinforces the desire to drink more.
Over time, this brain pathway makes it hard to stop after just one or two drinks, leading to higher intake levels and long-term health risks.
Options to Manage and Reduce Alcohol Intake
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Reducing your drinking requires a combined strategy targeting both behavior and brain chemistry:
1. Behavioral Strategies & Psychosocial Support
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Track Your Units: Keep a drink diary to log how many units you consume each week (14 units per week is the UK recommended maximum).
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Set Target Days: Plan specific days each week where you drink no alcohol at all.
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Identify Triggers: Recognize situations, stresses, or social settings that prompt heavy drinking and plan alternative non-alcoholic options.
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Counseling & Support Groups: Pair medication with brief counseling, app-based tracking, or local alcohol support services for long-term habits.
2. Targeted Prescription Medication
For adults who drink heavily but do not have severe physical withdrawal symptoms, prescription medication can be taken on an "as-needed" basis to help regain control over drinking.
How Nalmefene (Selincro®) Works
Nalmefene (brand name Selincro®) is an oral tablet licensed specifically to help adults with alcohol dependence reduce their daily consumption.
Who It Is For
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Adults (18+) who have a high drinking risk level (more than 7.5 units/day for men or 5 units/day for women).
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Individuals who do not have physical withdrawal symptoms (such as shaking, sweating, or seizures when stopping) and do not need immediate medical detoxification.
How Nalmefene Helps You Drink Less
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Blocks the Reward Signal: Nalmefene is an opioid system modulator. It blocks the specific brain receptors (mu and delta opioid receptors) that respond to alcohol-released endorphins.
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Reduces the "Buzz": By dampening the euphoric high or sensation of reward that drinking usually gives, it breaks the urge to keep pouring another glass.
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Puts You in Control: It does not make you sick if you drink, nor does it prevent intoxication/drunkenness—it simply makes it much easier to stop drinking once you start.
