We unravel the myths that keep psychiatrists from using disulfiram (Antabuse) in alcohol use disorders. In the right patient, this medication is very effective and far less dangerous than the alternative: continued drinking.

Prolonged exposure is one of the best treatments available for patients with PTSD. This study examines the advantages of using prolonged exposure for patients who have PTSD with co-occurring alcohol use disorder.

This research update summarizes the results of the landmark COMBINE study which evaluated the effectiveness of stand-alone and combined pharmacological and behavioral interventions for treating alcohol use disorder.

We have five main medications to offer patients with alcohol use disorder: acamprosate, disulfiram, gabapentin, naltrexone (PO or IM), and topiramate. The combination of naltrexone and gabapentin may work better than either of these two medications alone.

The newer biomarkers of alcohol use include carbohydrate-deficient transferrin; ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate; and phosphatidylethanol.

This 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial study casts doubt on using gabapentin enacarbil extended-release (GE-XR) (Horizant), an extended-release version of gabapentin, for treatment in patients with alcohol use disorder

Reviewing the new medications for alcoholism brings us into a pharmacologic netherworld. Nothing is very clear, and when you think you've finally come to a conclusion, a new study comes along to cast a fresh fog over everything.

By now, it is clear that the most effective treatment for alcoholism is consistent attendance at AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings. Not only have outcome studies shown that AA attendance promotes abstinence, but in addition, therapy aimed specifically at encouraging AA attendance has been shown to robustly increase the chances that patients will actually go to meetings and get sponsors (Alcohol Research and Health, 1999;23:93-98).