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FrancoAngeli Journals

Newsletter "Clinica dell'Alcolismo"

No. 71 (2025)

Sodium Oxybate in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis of Ten Years of Treatment

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/mis71-2025oa20871
Submitted
agosto 21, 2025
Published
2025-10-23

Abstract

In the medical and scientific world, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is widely recognized and described as a chronic, relapsing illness characterized by compulsive alcohol-seeking despite potential medical, social, and legal consequences. It presents behavioural, physical, psychological, and clinical manifestations that vary from individual to individual. The definition of AUD is widely recognized and validated by numerous authoritative scientific sources; however, in clinical practice, pharmacological treatments are often employed with a detoxification-focused approach, both by healthcare professionals and patients.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of a specific drug, sodium oxybate, on the treatment and outcome of a group of patients diagnosed with AUD.

The analysis was conducted on patients undergoing their first treatment at the Bergamo Addictive Behaviour Centre (SerD) in the decade from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2024.

The conclusions point to a greater retention in treatment and a greater and apparently statistically significant ability to reduce alcohol consumption.

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