New Drug Shows Promise Treating Drinking and Smoking Abuse

5, 2016 -- An experimental drug shows some promise in treating problem drinking and smoking, according to a new study. The drug, called ABT-436, targets a chemical that helps regulate brain circuits involved in emotion. Researchers at the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism assessed the drug in a 12-week clinical trial that included 144 adults with alcohol use disorder. Participants were randomly selected to receive either ABT-436 or placebo (dummy) pills. Participants with high stress levels appeared to have a stronger response to ABT-436, the researchers said, noting a drop in the frequency of their drinking and the number of heavy drinking days.