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Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2006) 12: 13-22
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

What works in alcohol use disorders?

Jason Luty

Jason Luty is consultant in addictions psychiatry at the South Essex Partnership NHS Trust (Taylor Centre, Queensway House, Essex Street, Southend on Sea, Essex SS4 1RB, UK. Tel: 01702 440 550/07939 922 712; fax: 01702 440 551; e-mail: sl006h3607{at}blueyonder.co.uk) and an honorary consultant for Cambridge and Peterborough Partnership NHS Trust. He has published in the addictions field and trained at the Maudsley Hospital, London. He has a PhD in pharmacology following a study of the molecular mechanisms of receptor desensitisation and tolerance. He has no monetary interest in the products cited in this review.

Treatment of alcohol use disorders typically involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions. About one-quarter of people with alcohol dependence (‘alcoholics’) who seek treatment remain abstinent over 1 year. Research has consistently shown that less intensive, community treatment (particularly brief interventions) is just as effective as intense, residential treatment. Many psychosocial treatments are probably equally effective. Techniques for medically assisted detoxification are widespread and effective. More recent evidence provides some support for the use of drugs such as acamprosate to prevent relapse in the medium to long term.




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