Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice

Book excerpt: Many health problems that healthcare practitioners encounter derive from or are complicated by alcohol use disorders (AUD). Four approved medications that treat AUD make treatment in primary care a viable adjunct or alternative to specialty care, with many potential advantages. Screening for and providing brief interventions to treat AUD in general medical settings promote healthy life choices and increase the likelihood of recovery, especially for patients who have not yet progressed to chronic alcohol dependence, those with comorbid medical disorders being treated in these settings, and those who otherwise would not seek or receive treatment for their AUD. This report provides a resource to assist the health-care provider in this effort. Illus.