Acamprosate (Campral) received FDA approval for the treatment of alcohol-dependent individuals seeking to remain alcohol-free after cessation of drinking. This is the first new drug approved for alcohol abuse in a decade. Acamprosate is a product of Lipha Pharmaceutical, Lyon, France.

Acamprosate should be used as part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. It may not be effective in patients who actively drink at the start of treatment, or in patients who abuse other substances in addition to alcohol.

Clinical trials of alcohol-dependent patients who had already been withdrawn from alcohol showed that the drug is safe and effective. These studies showed that acamprosate was superior to placebo in maintaining abstinence.