Peter G. Dodge Foundation
About PGDF
Grant History
Coalition to Advance Alcohol Recovery & Treatment
Bootstrap Recovery
Young Philanthropists Initiative
What is AUD?
Detox & Clinical Treatment
Mutual Help Groups
Long-Term Recovery
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality publishes new resources on medication for AUD
March 23, 2016 News Return to News
Two new resources are available to help both patients and clinicians determine which medicines may be most helpful to them in treating alcohol-use disorder (AUD).
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, published a review of 135 studies on medicines to treat alcohol dependence and alcohol-use disorder conducted between 1970 and 2013. The summary is intended to make it easier for physicians and those seeking treatment for AUD to understand and discuss the evidence-based options for treating AUD with medication.
The AHRQ review found moderate evidence that acamprosate (Campral) and oral naltrexone (Revia) improve outcomes for patients with AUD, with neither showing demonstrable superiority over the other. Evidence for the injectable form of naltrexone (Vivitrol) was limited and no conclusions were drawn on its effectiveness. Topiramate (Topamax) was found to improve outcomes for some patients. Study trials reviewed by the AHRQ found no evidence to support the efficacy of disulfiram (Antabuse) in reducing alcohol consumption. Most of the studies looked at medication used in conjunction with psychosocial therapy. Using medication by itself has not been studied thoroughly enough to evaluate it as a stand-alone treatment.
The two summaries are not intended to serve as clinical recommendations or guidelines, but rather as information resources to make it easier for patients and doctors to discuss treatment options. The summary for clinicians aims to help health care providers understand available treatment options and the current evidence for (or against) them. The summary geared towards patients and their families outlines information about AUD and includes information on side effects and tips on what to ask your doctor when considering medication.
“These new resources, based on the most current research, will help clinicians and patients make informed choices about treatment in accordance with their own wishes and values,” said AHRQ Director Rick Kronick, Ph.D.
AHRQ summary pamphlet for patients: Medicines to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review of the Research for Adults>
AHRQ summary of treatment options for patients: Medicines to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review of the Research for Adults>
AHRQ summary of treatment options for clinicians: Pharmacotherapy for Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in Outpatient Settings>
The full 2014 review, on which the AHRQ summaries are based>
About AHRQ>
Signup for Mailing List
Support PGDF
We need your help to fight alcohol addiction
3000 Chestnut Avenue, Suite 347 Baltimore, MD 21211 410-246-1498
© 2019 Peter G. Dodge Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Web Design by The Jake Group
The material provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor to substitute for the advice of a medical professional. If you believe you have a medical problem or condition, please consult your health care provider. The Peter G. Dodge Foundation (PGDF) is a philanthropic organization that is not directly affiliated with any other entity and does not endorse any particular treatment methodology. We do not sell any product or service, nor do we profit financially or otherwise from providing the information on this site. PGDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.