Practice Guidelines for Treating AUD

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is very common and can lead to medical, social and legal impairments for affected individuals and their families. Despite the high prevalence of AUD and its significant public health consequences, patients with this disorder continue to be under-identified and undertreated. The American Psychiatric Association has recently come out with practice guidelines […]

Medication to Improve Outcomes in Alcohol Use Disorder

Medication to Improve Outcomes in Alcohol Use Disorder Some experts in the field of substance abuse are arguing for a change in the thinking of how to treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Most clinicians, with the focus being on sobriety, refer patients to detoxification and substance abuse programs, which is appropriate. Many clinicians do not […]

Treatment of Alcohol Abuse

While behavioral treatments and support groups are the mainstay of treatment for alcohol abuse problems, there are medications that can be helpful as well. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist that is used for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Research shows that it is particularly useful in decreasing heavy drinking. It is found to be more […]

Management of Alcohol Withdrawal in the Outpatient Setting

Approximately 2% to 9% of patients seen in a family physician’s office have alcohol dependence. These patients are at risk of developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) if they abruptly abstain from alcohol use.  Treatment goals for patients with AWS are to reduce withdrawal symptoms; prevent seizures, delirium tremens, and death; and prepare the patient for […]