A Narrative Review of Current and Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Author Type(s)
Resident/Fellow
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-20-2024
Journal Title
Brain Sciences
Department
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. It contributes to over 140,000 annual deaths, to over 200 related diseases and health conditions globally, and accounts for 5.1% of the global disease burden. Despite its substantial impact, AUD remains undertreated, marked by a scarcity of approved medications. This paper explores the current treatment landscape and novel strategies for both alcohol withdrawal syndrome and AUD. Promising results, including the use of psychedelics alongside psychotherapy, noninvasive neural-circuit-based interventions, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, have emerged from recent studies. While these advancements show potential, further research is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness. The clear shortage of approved medications and other treatment modalities underscores the pressing need for ongoing research.
Recommended Citation
Celik, M., Gold, M., & Fuehrlein, B. (2024). A Narrative Review of Current and Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. Brain Sciences, 14 (3). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14030294
