In recent years, alcohol misuse has remained one of the most serious public health challenges, affecting tens of millions of people and leading to substantial losses—from reduced quality of life to high mortality. New data from researchers at Boston University School of Medicine may offer hope for more effective approaches to treating this complex problem.

The study results were published in the journal eNeuro.

The scientists investigated drugs that stimulate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors—specific proteins in the nervous system involved in regulating arousal and behavioral control. One such drug, guanfacine, is already used clinically to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers found that in models of heavy alcohol use, drugs in this class reduced the amount of alcohol consumed and improved certain impairments in memory, attention, and other cognitive functions that often accompany addiction.

A key advantage of guanfacine over earlier alpha-2 stimulators is that it does not cause side effects such as pronounced sedation or dangerous drops in body temperature, making it a safer candidate for potential use in alcohol use disorder.

In the experiment, animals with limited access to strong alcohol were regularly given ethanol in amounts modeling heavy consumption. The researchers then compared the effects of guanfacine with those of the classic drug clonidine. Guanfacine consistently reduced alcohol craving while simultaneously exerting positive effects on functions impaired by chronic alcohol use.

The authors emphasize that these findings represent a potential step toward new strategies for treating alcohol dependence—approaches that could help people reduce harmful consumption and regain control over their lives without severe side effects. In the future, such medications may accelerate the development of pharmacological treatments to help people with this widespread and serious disorder.