Alcohol detoxification in primary care treatment (ADEPT)

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Alcohol detoxification in primary care treatment (ADEPT) - a feasibility study of conducting a randomised trial in primary care comparing two pharmacological regimens.

• IRAS ID

  5031

• Contact name

  Anne Lingford-Hughes

• Sponsor organisation

  Cardiff University

• Eudract number

  2008-004820-22

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  00855699

• Research summary

  Alcohol misuse in the UK iscostly to the individual, family and society. Once someone is dependent onalcohol, the risk of complications from alcohol withdrawal when they stopdrinking increase; complications can include a life-threatening fit or deliriumtremens. To prevent such complications medication, such as benzodiazepines (egvalium or librium), is prescribed in reducing doses for about a week(detoxification or ??detox??). Alcohol withdrawal is toxic to the brain and neuronsdie causing subtle effects of impaired brain functions such as planning, memoryand learning. These functions help recovery in alcohol dependence. Little isknown about what is the most effective detox medication to treat alcoholwithdrawal. The use of drugs such as Acamprosate may protect the brain fromalcohol toxicity and reduce thelikelihood of relapse. This study undertaken with the Bristol Randomised TrialsCollaboration will examine the feasibility of undertaking a larger study andinvolves comparing two medication regimens for alcohol detox in primary care:a) a standard detox regimen (librium over 8 days) with placebo medicationagainst b) standard detox regimen withacamprosate, a drug used after detox to help people remain sober. Patientsreceiving detoxification from alcohol by their GP will be offered theopportunity to take part in the study. The additional medication would beoffered within 24 hours of commencing detox. The research nurse will undertakea number of baseline measures and follow up the patient daily throughout theirdetox. The patient will also be followed up three and five weeks afterrandomisation regarding any drinking. The study includes anyone 18-65undergoing a detox with their GP. It will exclude pregnant or breast feedingwomen and anyone with a history of: delirium tremens or seizures; Wernicke??s encephalopathy: or significantmedical or psychiatric illness

• REC name

  South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  08/H0206/53

• Date of REC Opinion

  12 Nov 2008

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion