Increased treatment rates of alcohol dependence can save almost 12,000 lives
2/12/2013 1:00 AM EST
H. Lundbeck A/S
Press release
Increased treatment rates of alcohol dependence can save almost 12,000 lives
A new study documents for the first time the benefits of increased treatment
rates of alcohol dependence in the EU. 11,700 lives could be saved annually if
40 per cent of patients were treated.
Thousands of Europeans die from alcohol dependence every year because they are
not treated for their disease. Less than 10 per cent of patients with alcohol
dependence in the EU currently receive treatment, and every year the disease is
responsible for the deaths of about 120,000 Europeans between 15 and 64 years.
If treatment rates were extended to 40 per cent of patients, it is estimated
that the lives of 11,700 patients could be saved each year.
The benefits of increased treatment rates of alcohol dependence in the EU are
described in a new study, which is published in the February issue of the
medical journal European Neuropsychopharmacology1. The study documents for the
first time the deadly consequences of alcohol dependence and the limited
treatment of the disease in the EU. A research team led by Professor Jürgen
Rehm from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto,
conducted the newly published study.
Huge burden
The new study also quantifies for the first time to what extent the increase in
overall mortality caused by alcohol consumption is directly attributable to the
disease of alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence was found to be responsible
for 70 per cent of all deaths caused by alcohol.
The social costs of alcohol consumption are wide-ranging and can include crime,
traffic accidents, unemployment and family issues such as child neglect and
divorce. The cost to society has been estimated at 155.8bn euros in 2010, and
62 per cent of these costs are thought to result from heavy drinking associated
with alcohol dependence2.
The study makes it clear that increased treatment of alcohol dependence is
essential in order to reduce alcohol’s overall contribution to disease and
mortality.Not as a replacement for existing alcohol policies in the EU, but in
addition tothe proven alcohol policy measures such as increasing price, banning
advertising, or restricting availability of alcohol.
Based on the survey results, Professor Rehm urges increased focus on treatment
of alcohol dependence alongside prevention to ensure an integrated approach to
alcohol dependence is developed and implemented.
“Given the substantial health burden in Europe attributable to alcohol
consumption and, in particular, to alcohol dependence, current alcohol policy
prevention measures should be supplemented with measures to expand treatment
coverage” says Professor Rehm.
Lundbeck has supported the study by an unrestricted educational grant.
About alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence is a brain disease with a high probability of following a
progressive course.3,4 Alcohol is toxic to most organs of the body, and the
level of consumption is strongly correlated with the risk for long-term
morbidity and mortality.5 Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 types of
disease and injury.6 Genetic and environmental factors are important in the
development of alcohol dependence; genetic factors account for an estimated 60%
of the risk of developing the disease.7 A central characteristic of alcohol
dependence is the often overpowering desire to consume alcohol. Patients
experience difficulties in controlling the consumption of alcohol and continue
consuming alcohol despite harmful consequences.8
Excessive alcohol consumption is common in many parts of the world, especially
in Europe where more than 14 million people are alcohol dependent.9 and where
the treatment gap is very large, with only 8% of patients receiving any
treatment.10 Both abstinence and reduction goals should be considered as part
of a comprehensive treatment approach for patients with alcohol dependence.11
Further information, including contact to Professor Rehm and the full study
Simon Augustesen, Media Relations
Telephone (direct): +45 36 43 49 80
About Lundbeck
Lundbeck is a global pharmaceutical company highly committed to improving the
quality of life of people living with brain diseases. For this purpose,
Lundbeck is engaged in the entire value chain throughout research, development,
production, marketing and sales of pharmaceuticals across the world. The
company’s products are targeted at disorders such as depression and anxiety,
psychotic disorders, epilepsy, Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
diseases. Lundbeck’s pipeline consists of several mid- to late- stage
development programs.
Lundbeck employs more than 5800 people worldwide, 2,000 of whom are based in
Denmark. We have employees in 57 countries, and our products are registered in
more than 100 countries. We have research centres in Denmark, China and the
United States and production facilities in Italy, France, Mexico, China and
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For additional information, we encourage you to visit our corporate site
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References:
[1]Rehm, J et al. Modelling the impact of alcohol dependence on mortality
burden and the effect of available treatment interventions in the European
Union. European Neuropsychopharmacology [epub ahead of print August 21, 2012]
2Rehm et al. CAMH. Alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence and attributable
burden of disease in
Europe
http://www.camh.ca/en/research/news_and_publications/reports_and_books/Pages/def
ault.aspx
3Burge et al. Am Fam Physician 1999; 59(2): 361-370
4Leshner. Science 1997; 278: 45-47
5Rehm et al. Eur Addict Res 2003; 9: 147-156
6WHO. Global status report on alcohol and health, 2011
7Schuckit. Ch. 98. In: Davis et al (eds). Neuropsychopharmacology: The Fifth
Generation of Progress. 2002
8WHO, ICD-10, F10-19
9Wittchen et al. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2011;21(9): 655-679
10Kohn et al. Bull World Health Organ 2004; 82(11):858-866
11Ambrogne. J Subst Abuse Treat 2002; 22(1): 45-53