Intranasal Oxytocin's Long-Term Effects on Alcohol Withdrawal and Dependence Undergo 1-Year Follow-up Assessment

Individuals struggling with alcohol dependence often face severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) during detoxification, which can lead to relapse and significant morbidity. Current treatments primarily manage acute symptoms but often fall short in preventing long-term relapse. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known for its roles in social bonding and stress regulation, has shown promise in modulating reward pathways and reducing craving for substances, making it a candidate for addiction treatment. This follow-up study investigates if early intervention with intranasal oxytocin can yield sustained benefits beyond acute withdrawal.

This research is a follow-up to a prior placebo-controlled randomized controlled study (NCT02903251) that investigated intranasal oxytocin in adults undergoing alcohol detoxification. Participants in the original study received either oxytocin nasal spray or placebo nasal spray during acute withdrawal and for the subsequent 4 weeks in an outpatient setting. This current study assesses the long-term effects of that initial intervention, with follow-up evaluations conducted at 60 days and 1 year post-treatment. A total of 24 patients were available for the 1-year follow-up, with researchers tracking outcomes related to alcohol withdrawal and dependence.