Nalmefene for reduction of alcohol consumption in specific target populations

A method of reducing alcohol consumption in a patient wherein said method comprises the following steps:

• a identifying a patient i) who has a high DRL, and ii) who maintains a high DRL after an observation period following initial assessment, and
• b) administering a therapeutically effective amount of nalmefene to the patient identified in step a), wherein said nalmefene is to be administered as-needed about 1-2 hours prior to the anticipated time of drinking.