Approximately 30 million people meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder, yet few receive proper pharmacotherapy. This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial, conducted from November 2014 to June 2018, investigated the efficacy of gabapentin versus placebo in treating AUD, focusing on those with significant alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The study involved 96 participants who met the DSM-5 criteria for AUD and had recent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They were randomized to receive gabapentin or a placebo over 16 weeks, with their drinking habits and heavy drinking markers monitored.

Results showed that 27% of gabapentin-treated individuals had no heavy drinking days compared to 9% in the placebo group, and 18% achieved total abstinence versus 4% in the placebo group. Gabapentin was particularly effective in participants with high alcohol withdrawal symptoms, significantly reducing heavy drinking days and increasing total abstinence compared to placebo. Although gabapentin caused more dizziness, it did not affect treatment efficacy.

The study had limitations, such as dropout rates and exclusion criteria, warranting further research, particularly regarding protracted alcohol withdrawal symptoms during gabapentin treatment. Overall, these findings suggest gabapentin could be a valuable addition to AUD treatment, especially for individuals with a history of severe withdrawal symptoms, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes and patient engagement.

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