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Månsson A, Danielsson AK, Sjöqvist H, Glatz T, Lundin A, Wallhed Finn S. Pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder among adults with medical disorders in Sweden. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:41. [PMID: 38764075 PMCID: PMC11103816 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00471-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-attributable medical disorders are prevalent among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, there is a lack of research on prescriptions of pharmacological treatment for AUD in those with comorbid conditions. This study aims to investigate the utilization of pharmacological treatment (acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone) in specialist care among patients with AUD and comorbid medical diagnoses. METHODS This was a descriptive register-based Swedish national cohort study including 132,728 adults diagnosed with AUD (N = 270,933) between 2007 and 2015. The exposure was alcohol-attributable categories of comorbid medical diagnoses. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using mixed-effect logistic regression analyses for any filled prescription of acamprosate, disulfiram or oral naltrexone within 12 months post AUD diagnosis. RESULTS Individuals with comorbid alcohol-attributable medical diagnoses had lower odds of filling prescriptions for any type of AUD pharmacotherapy compared to those without such comorbidities. Cardiovascular (OR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.39-0.43]), neurological (OR = 0.52 [95% CI: 0.48-0.56]) and gastrointestinal (OR = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.54-0.60]) diseases were associated with the lowest rates of prescription receipt. The presence of diagnoses which are contraindications to AUD pharmacotherapy did not fully explain the low prescription rate. CONCLUSION There is a substantial underutilization of AUD pharmacotherapy in patients with AUD and comorbid medical disorders in specialist care. Increasing the provision of pharmacotherapy to this group of patients is essential and may prevent morbidity and mortality. There is a need to further understand barriers to medical treatment both from the patient and prescriber perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Månsson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden.
| | - Anna-Karin Danielsson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Hugo Sjöqvist
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Toivo Glatz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Andreas Lundin
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Stockholm Region, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Sara Wallhed Finn
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
- Mottagningen för alkohol och hälsa, Stockholm Center for Dependency Disorders, Health Care Services, Riddargatan 1, 114 35, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research (UCAR), University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense, 5000, Denmark
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Köhne S, Hillemacher T, Glahn A, Bach P. Emerging drugs in phase II and III clinical development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38606899 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2342951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses an ongoing significant global health burden. AUD is highly prevalent and affects not only the individuals with AUD, but also their communities and society at large. Even though pharmacotherapy is an integral part of AUD treatment, the few available substances show limited efficacy and limited clinical impact. Thus, there is a need for new innovative pharmacotherapeutic approaches. AREAS COVERED This paper provides a comprehensive review of drugs approved for the treatment of AUD as well as those currently in phase II and III development. Data from recent clinical trials has been reviewed and supplemented by additional literature based on a systematic search of the PubMed database and clinical trials registries. Compounds discussed include disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosat, baclofen, sodium oxybate, doxazosin, varenicline, zonisamide, gabapentin, apremilast, ibudilast, ivermectin, tolcapone, mifepristone, suvorexant, ketamine, psilocybin, semaglutide, oxytocin and cannabidiol. EXPERT OPINION Even though the majority of the discussed compounds lack sufficient evidence to support their efficacy, multiple promising new treatment options are currently under investigation. Future research has to consider specific phenotypes and subgroups of AUD as well as a possible enhancement of the effects of psychotherapy through combination with pharmacotherapy. Practitioners should be encouraged to use available compounds to support existing therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Köhne
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wellensiek J, Specka M, Just J, Banger M, Bonnet U, Scherbaum N. Patient Perspectives on Pharmacotherapy of Alcohol Dependence. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2024; 57:21-29. [PMID: 38052239 DOI: 10.1055/a-2190-4842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacotherapy with drugs like naltrexone or acamprosate is a well-evaluated element in the treatment of alcohol dependence (AD). However, in many countries, these medications are rarely administered. The objective of the present study was to identify from patients' perspective factors that prevent the initiation and compliance with pharmacological treatment of AD. METHODS Patients from inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment underwent a standardized interview. Questions included socio-demographic data, history of AD, treatment history, knowledge and personal experience regarding pharmacotherapy of AD, and personal views about the causes of AD. RESULTS Three hundred patients (mean age 47.3 years, 27.7% female, mean duration of AD 8.9 years, 67% with a history of previous inpatient withdrawal treatment) were included. The majority of patients (58.7%) already knew drugs for the pharmacotherapy of AD. Thirty percent had ever used such medications, most often acamprosate. Except for disulfiram, pharmacotherapy of AD had lasted only a few weeks, on average. Medication usually had been applied without additional psychotherapy. No severe side effects were reported. Patients had often stopped pharmacotherapy on their own, when assuming they had reached stable abstinence. Openness to start pharmacotherapy for AD was currently stated by 67% of the total sample. In multiple logistic regression, openness was predicted by having a concept of AD as a medical disease and by a shorter duration of AD. DISCUSSION To improve the administration of pharmacotherapy for AD implementation strategies should be systematically developed and evaluated with a focus on the concept of AD as a medical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wellensiek
- LVR Hospital Bonn, Department of Addiction Disorders and Psychotherapy, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Specka
- LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Just
- Witten/Herdecke University, Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Witten, Germany
| | - Markus Banger
- LVR Hospital Bonn, Department of Addiction Disorders and Psychotherapy, Bonn, Germany
| | - Udo Bonnet
- LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg/Essen, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Wallhed Finn S, Mejldal A, Nielsen AS. The impact of an annual mass media campaign on treatment seeking for alcohol use disorders in the Danish population: An interrupted time-series analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109910. [PMID: 37224672 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A minority of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) seek treatment. In Denmark, a mass media campaign, "RESPEKT", aiming to increase treatment seeking, has been broadcasted nationwide since 2015. The campaign is unique from an international perspective. Similar interventions have, up until now, not been scientifically evaluated. AIM To investigate whether there was an association between campaign periods and treatment seeking for AUD. A secondary aim was to investigate possible gender differences. The hypotheses were that treatment seeking would increase during the campaign periods, and that men would increase their treatment seeking more compared to women. METHOD Study design: Interrupted time-series analysis. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 18 years and above in the Danish population seeking AUD treatment. EXPOSURE Campaign periods year 2015-2018. OUTCOME Changes in treatment seeking defined as treatment entry respectively filled prescription of AUD pharmacotherapy. DATA National Alcohol Treatment Register on treatment entries for specialist addiction care and National Prescription Registry for filled prescriptions on AUD pharmacotherapies 2013-2018. ANALYSIS Segmented negative binomial regression, including the full cohort and stratified by sex. RESULTS The results show no association between campaign periods and treatment seeking. Nor were there any gender differences in treatment seeking. The hypotheses were not confirmed. CONCLUSION The campaign periods showed no association with treatment seeking. Eventual future campaigns should possibly focus on earlier steps of the treatment seeking process, as problem recognition, to increase treatment seeking. There is a great need to develop other ways to narrow the treatment gap for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Wallhed Finn
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense5000, Denmark; Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
| | - Anna Mejldal
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense5000, Denmark; Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anette Søgaard Nielsen
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense5000, Denmark
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Heilig M. Stress-related neuropeptide systems as targets for treatment of alcohol addiction: A clinical perspective. J Intern Med 2023; 293:559-573. [PMID: 37052145 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use is a major cause of disability and death globally. These negative consequences disproportionately affect people who develop alcohol addiction, a chronic relapsing condition characterized by increased motivation to use alcohol, choice of alcohol over healthy, natural rewards, and continued use despite negative consequences. Available pharmacotherapies for alcohol addiction are few, have effect sizes in need of improvement, and remain infrequently prescribed. Research aimed at developing novel therapeutics has in large part focused on attenuating pleasurable or "rewarding" properties of alcohol, but this targets processes that primarily play a role as initiation factors. As clinical alcohol addiction develops, long-term changes in brain function result in a shift of affective homeostasis, and rewarding alcohol effects become progressively reduced. Instead, increased stress sensitivity and negative affective states emerge in the absence of alcohol and create powerful incentives for relapse and continued use through negative reinforcement, or "relief." Based on research in animal models, several neuropeptide systems have been proposed to play an important role in this shift, suggesting that these systems could be targeted by novel medications. Two mechanisms in this category, antagonism at corticotropin-releasing factor type 1, and neurokinin 1/substance P receptors, have been subject to initial evaluation in humans. A third, kappa-opioid receptor antagonism, has been evaluated in nicotine addiction and could soon be tested for alcohol. This paper discusses findings with these mechanisms to date, and their prospects as future targets for novel medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University and Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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Hyland K, Hammarberg A, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Johansson M, Lindner P, Andreasson S. The efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioral program added to treatment-as-usual for alcohol-dependent patients in primary care: a randomized controlled trial. Addiction 2023. [PMID: 36739528 DOI: 10.1111/add.16157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Most alcohol-dependent people have a moderate level of dependence. General practitioners (GPs) hesitate to engage in this area, and need to have access to treatment they find applicable and feasible to use. The aim of this present study was to test if an open-ended internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) program added to treatment-as-usual (TAU) is more effective than TAU-only for alcohol-dependent patients in primary care. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The present study was a two-group, parallel, randomized controlled superiority trial comparing iCBT+TAU versus TAU-only at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. TAU was delivered at 14 primary care centers in Stockholm, Sweden. A total of 264 patients (mean age 51 years, of whom 148 were female and 116 were male) with alcohol dependence and hazardous alcohol consumption were enrolled between September 2017 and November 2019. MEASUREMENTS Participants were randomized at a ratio of 1:1 to iCBT, as a self-help intervention added to TAU (n = 132) or to TAU-only (n = 132). The GPs gave participants in both treatment arms feedback on the assessments and biomarkers and offered TAU at the primary care center. Primary outcome was weekly alcohol consumption in g/week at 12-month follow-up, analyzed according to intention-to-treat (n = 132 + 132). The per-protocol analysis included participants who completed at least one module of iCBT (n = 102 + 132). FINDINGS There was no significant difference in weekly alcohol consumption between iCBT+TAU and TAU in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis at 12-month follow-up [iCBT+TAU = 133.56 (95% confidence interval, CI = 100.94-166.19) and TAU = 176.20 (95% CI = 144.04-208.35), P = 0.068, d = 0.23]. In the per-protocol analysis, including only those who initiated iCBT, the iCBT+TAU group showed lower mean weekly alcohol consumption compared with TAU [iCBT+TAU = 107.46 (95% CI = 71.17-143.74), TAU = 176.00 (95% CI = 144.21-207.80), P = 0.010, d = 0.42]. CONCLUSIONS In Sweden, an internet-based cognitive-behavioral program added to treatment-as-usual to reduce alcohol consumption showed weak evidence of a benefit at 12 months in the intention-to-treat analysis and good evidence of a benefit in the per-protocol analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hyland
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Hammarberg
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Gustavsberg Primary Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Johansson
- Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip Lindner
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Andreasson
- Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Fortinguerra F, Pierantozzi A, Trotta F. The use of medications approved for alcohol use disorders in Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1110435. [PMID: 36875354 PMCID: PMC9975714 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1110435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Italy has the highest per capita alcohol consumption among European countries. Several pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are currently available in Italy, but no consumption data are available. A first analysis of national drug consumption, comprising the whole Italian population over a long-term period covering the COVID-19 pandemic, was performed. Methods To analyze the consumption of medications indicated for therapy of alcohol dependence, different national data sources were used. Consumption was measured as a defined daily dose (DDD) per 1,000,000 inhabitants per day. Results In 2020, the total consumption of medicines used in the treatment of AUDs amounted to 310.3 DDD per 1 million inhabitants per day (0.018% of the overall drug consumption in Italy) with a decreasing gradient from the north (373.9 DDD) to the south (250.7 DDD). 53.2% of the overall doses were dispensed by public healthcare facilities and 23.5% by community pharmacies, while the remaining 23.3% were purchased privately. The temporal trend of consumption seemed to be stable across the last few years, although an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was observed. Disulfiram was the most consumed medicine over years. Conclusion All Italian regions offer pharmacological treatments to patients with AUDs, but differences in the number of dispensed doses suggest a different local organization of patient care, which can be partly explained by the different severity of the clinical condition of residing patients. Pharmacotherapy of alcoholism should be deeply investigated to describe the clinical characteristics of treated patients (i.e., comorbidities) and evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed medications.
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Fischler PV, Soyka M, Seifritz E, Mutschler J. Off-label and investigational drugs in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A critical review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927703. [PMID: 36263121 PMCID: PMC9574013 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds known to be successful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder include the aversive agent, Disulfiram, the glutamatergic NMDA receptor antagonist, Acamprosate, and the opioid receptor antagonists, Naltrexone and Nalmefene. Although all four are effective in maintaining abstinence or reduction of alcohol consumption, only a small percentage of patients receive pharmacological treatment. In addition, many other medications have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. In this review we summarize and compare Baclofen, Gabapentin, Topiramate, Ondansetron, Varenicline, Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, Clozapine, Antidepressants, Lithium, Neuropeptide Y, Neuropeptide S, Corticotropin-releasing factor antagonists, Oxytocin, PF-05190457, Memantine, Ifenprodil, Samidorphan, Ondelopran, ABT-436, SSR149415, Mifepristone, Ibudilast, Citicoline, Rimonabant, Surinabant, AM4113 and Gamma-hydroxybutyrate While some have shown promising results in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, others have disappointed and should be excluded from further investigation. Here we discuss the most promising results and highlight medications that deserve further preclinical or clinical study. Effective, patient-tailored treatment will require greater understanding provided by many more preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Valentin Fischler
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women’s Clinic Lucerne, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Pascal Valentin Fischler,
| | - Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Director of the Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Clinic Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent but severely under-treated disorder, with only three widely-approved pharmacotherapies. Given that AUD is a very heterogeneous disorder, it is unlikely that one single medication will be effective for all individuals with an AUD. As such, there is a need to develop new, more effective, and diverse pharmacological treatment options for AUD with the hopes of increasing utilization and improving care. In this qualitative literature review, we discuss the efficacy, mechanism of action, and tolerability of approved, repurposed, and novel pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD with a clinical perspective. Pharmacotherapies discussed include: disulfiram, acamprosate, naltrexone, nalmefene, topiramate, gabapentin, varenicline, baclofen, sodium oxybate, aripiprazole, ondansetron, mifepristone, ibudilast, suvorexant, prazosin, doxazosin, N-acetylcysteine, GET73, ASP8062, ABT-436, PF-5190457, and cannabidiol. Overall, many repurposed and novel agents discussed in this review demonstrate clinical effectiveness and promise for the future of AUD treatment. Importantly, these medications also offer potential improvements towards the advancement of precision medicine and personalized treatment for the heterogeneous AUD population. However, there remains a great need to improve access to treatment, increase the menu of approved pharmacological treatments, and de-stigmatize and increase treatment-seeking for AUD.
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