Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Clin Liver Dis. 2016 Aug;20(3):429-44. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2016.02.003.

Abstract

Unhealthy alcohol use is common and routine screening is essential to identify patients and initiate appropriate treatment. At-risk or hazardous drinking is best managed with brief interventions, which can be performed by any provider and are designed to enhance patients' motivations and promote behavioral change. Alcohol withdrawal can be managed, preferably with benzodiazepines, using a symptom-triggered approach. Twelve-step programs and provider-driven behavioral therapies have robust data supporting their effectiveness and patients with alcohol use disorder should be referred for these services. Research now support the use of several FDA-approved medications that aid in promoting abstinence and reducing heavy drinking.

Keywords: Addiction; Alcohol use disorder; Alcoholism; Brief intervention; Diagnosis; Pharmacotherapy; Screening.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Abstinence
  • Alcohol Deterrents / therapeutic use
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Alcoholism* / complications
  • Alcoholism* / psychology
  • Alcoholism* / therapy
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / therapy

Substances

  • Alcohol Deterrents