For heavy drinkers, abstaining from alcohol is a tough goal. Topiramate, a new drug, may reduce heavy drinking in people with a certain gene variation associated with alcohol dependence.

Treating cocaine dependence is extremely tough. The science community is working towards making it a little easier with medication. A new trial has taken a step in the right direction.

As research continues to improve understanding on the pathology of disease, medications found to be beneficial for one disease may be proven effective in treating different, unrelated medical issues.