In more recent times, investigations of its use in dealing with alcohol withdrawal syndrome have begun. These started in Italy, where its use in treating alcohol addiction was also explored; the evidence for these uses is weak but growing and it has also been approved for use in Austria. There is insufficient evidence to make a definitive comparison with clomethiazole or benzodiazepine-based treatment approaches, though some data suggest it may be "better than naltrexone and disulfiram regarding abstinence maintenance and prevention of craving in the medium term i.e. 3-12 months." In a 2014 review, Gillian Keating described sodium oxybate as a "useful option for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and for the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol dependence." However, a 2018 review recognised the evidence for its efficacy but noted safety concerns and concluded that "studies are still limited and investigations including a larger number of patients are needed."