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 […]