Alcohol use disorder (AUD), which affects 28 million individuals in the US, is a chronic, relapsing medical condition characterized by intense cravings, loss of control, and excessive alcohol use associated with serious social, occupational, and physical consequences. Excessive alcohol use is the most common cause of cirrhosis and increases the risk of cancers (eg, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast, colorectum, and liver), unintentional injuries, and heart disease.1
In addition to behavioral interventions, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, 3 medications are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AUD: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. [CLICK HERE to learn more.]