Baclofen may act as a substitute drug 'artificially' compensating for GABA depletion associated with alcohol ... it's just a theory but it may act as a substitute drug similar to the way methadone acts as a substitute for heroin. (Take methadone to help reduce heroin cravings/withdrawal.) It may help abstinent alcoholics stay abstinent. The jury is still out. If it turns out in clinical trials (none yet) that Baclofen is helpful that would be wonderful. AA is wonderful for the 10 to 15 % of those who benefit from it.

However, the rules for the Sinclair Method would remain the same. Take naltrexone before you drink. Do NOT take it if you are not drinking.

There is a relationship between benzodiadepines and Baclofen in that they both act on the GABA system in the brain and nervous system.

RE: Baclofen from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baclofen

Use

Baclofen is used for the treatment of spastic movement, especially in instances of spinal cord injury, spastic diplegia, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgias.

Baclofen has been shown to be as effective as diazepam in uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome.[5] An Italian study showed that it was effective in promoting alcohol abstinence in patients with severe liver cirrhosis.[6]

[edit] Mechanism of action

Baclofen produces its effect via modulating the GABAB receptor, similar to the drug GHB which also has the same mechanism of action and also similar effects. However, there are some pharmacological differences in that baclofen appears to have reduced abuse and dependence potential.[7][8] The modulation of the GABAB receptor is what produces baclofen's range of therapeutic properties.

Withdrawal syndrome

Discontinuation of baclofen can be associated with a withdrawal syndrome which resembles benzodiazepine withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if baclofen is used for long periods of time (more than a couple of months) and can occur from low or high doses. The severity of baclofen withdrawal depends on the rate at which baclofen is discontinued. Thus to minimise baclofen withdrawal symptoms the dose should be tapered down slowly when discontinuing baclofen therapy. Abrupt withdrawal is most likely to result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms can be stopped by recommencing baclofen.[13]

Withdrawal symptoms may include auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, tactile hallucinations, delusions, confusion, agitation, delirium, disorientation, fluctuation of consciousness, insomnia, inattention, memory impairments, perceptual disturbances, anxiety, depersonalization, hypertonia, hyperthermia, formal thought disorder, psychosis, mania, mood disturbances, restlessness, and behavioral disturbances, tachycardia, seizures, tremors, autonomic dysfunction, hyperpyrexia, extreme muscle rigidity resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome and rebound spasticity.