Alcohol Use Disorder: Medications Can Help in Treatment Plans

College of Family Physicians Alberta asked ………

Which Health Canada approved pharmacologic treatments are effective for alcohol use disorder?

ANSWER: Both acamprosate (CAMPRIL) and naltrexone (REVIA) demonstrate benefit for abstinence from alcohol when compared to placebo. For every 12 patients treated with acamprosate, and every 20 patients treated with naltrexone, one fewer patient will return to drinking compared to placebo after 12-52 weeks. If harm reduction is the goal, naltrexone can reduce return to heavy drinking for one out of every 13 patients.

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Charlotte Gallant