Drinkers who have half a bottle of wine or three pints a night are to be offered a life-saving pill which helps reduce their alcohol consumption.
Nearly 600,000 people will be eligible to receive the nalmefene tablet in the UK to keep their cravings at bay.
Experts claim the drug, which costs £3 (€3.80) a tablet, could save as many as 1,854 lives over five years in Britain and prevent 43,074 alcohol-related diseases and injuries.
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended the drug’s use after trials showed it cut drinking by 61% over six months when used with counselling.
Under new plans, GPs would ask patients about their alcohol intake even when they visit them for unrelated health issues.
Professor Carole Longson, for Nice health technology evaluation centre, said: “Alcohol dependence is a serious issue for many people.
“Those who could be prescribed nalmefene have already taken the first big steps by visiting their doctor, engaging with support services and taking part in therapy programmes.
“We are pleased to be able to recommend the use of nalmefene to support people further in their efforts to fight alcohol dependence.
“When used alongside psychosocial support, nalmefene is clinically and cost effective for the NHS compared with psychosocial support alone.”
Source: Irish Examiner, 03/10/14
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