USE OF GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID AMIDES IN THE TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTION AND IN PARTICULAR OF ALCOHOLISM

Use of amides of ~c-hydroxybutyric acid of formula R2-O-(CH2)3-CO-N(Q)-(CT1T2)n-R1 (I) in the treatment of drug addiction is new. R1 = mono- or polycyclic aromatic group containing carbocyclic and/or heterocyclic rings each having 5-7 atoms in the ring and being optionally substituted by 1-8C alkyl or 1-8C alkoxy (both optionally containing or substituted by double or triple bonds or by halo), aminic, 1-8C mono- or dialkylaminic groups or halo; R2 = H, 1-6C alkyl (optionally substituted by double or triple bonds or by aromatic groups); Q = H or 1-6C alkyl; n = 1-4; T1, T2 = H or 1-6C alkyl. Also claimed are: (i) a composition comprising (I); (ii) new compounds (I) where (a) R2 = alkyl (optionally substituted by one or more double or triple bonds or halo); or (b) R1 = an aromatic heterocycle and R2 is not an aromatic group; or (c) Q = 1-6C alkyl.