Drug treatment for alcoholism today
Finding a reliable treatment for alcoholism has been a frustrating quest. In the best studies, all common psychosocial approaches have been found equally and only moderately effective. So physicians and mental health professionals have turned to drugs in the hope of matching their success, or partial success, in the drug treatment of other psychiatric disorders.
So far the results are inconclusive, and some still hesitate to treat any substance abuse problem with a drug. But there was a time when the drug treatment of depression and schizophrenia was questioned. The search for drug treatments has also been aided by progress in understanding addiction in general and the actions of alcohol in particular. One new drug was approved in 2005 and others are being considered.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
