Abstinence and 'low-risk' consumption 1 year after the initiation of high-dose baclofen: a retrospective study among 'high-risk' drinkers

The aim of the study was to assess the proportions of 'high-risk' drinkers' abstinent or with 'low-risk' consumption levels 1 year after the initiation of high-dose baclofen. This is a retrospective 'open' study; the outcome of this study was to assess the level of alcohol consumption in the 12th month of treatment. Of the 181 patients included, a follow-up evaluation was possible in 132 patients. The initial alcohol consumption of the 132 patients analysed averaged 182 ± 92 g/day. After 1 year, 80% of the 132 (i.e. 58% of 181) were either abstinent (n = 78) or drinking at low-risk levels (n = 28) in their 12th month of treatment. The mean baclofen dose at 1 year was 129 ± 71 mg/day. High-dose baclofen should be tested in randomized placebo-controlled trials among high-risk drinkers.