Evidence-based response Acamprosate and naltrexone should be used as first-line drugs for the treatment of alcohol use disorder and are effective in reducing relapse rates. Naltrexone reduces binge drinking and binge eating, and helps patients achieve abstinence. It can be prescribed while patients continue to drink. At the end of treatment, patients may need to be referred to a long-term outpatient treatment program, an addiction specialist, or an inpatient treatment program.
The presence of alcohol inhibits the function of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which leads to the sedative and anxiolytic effects of alcohol, as well as memory problems and the generation of life-threatening seizures. Primary care providers should routinely offer medication for moderate and severe alcohol use disorders, even if the patient is unwilling to undergo formal psychosocial treatment. Evidence on the use of naltrexone and four different ways of using it in the treatment of alcoholism. Pharmacists need to be knowledgeable about AUD and its treatment and about AWS treatment to facilitate and optimize timely and appropriate patient care, which could ultimately lead to saving a patient's life.
The goals of AWS treatment are to manage the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, prevent progression to serious medical complications, and bring patients to treatment to maintain long-term recovery. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable use of alcohol. Evaluating patients for alcohol abuse can be revealing and beneficial to some patients in changing their drinking habits before any complications arise, such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (American Psychiatric Association Practical Guide for Drug Treatment of Patients) with alcohol use disorder. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
