Pharmacotherapies for alcohol abuse - Withdrawal and treatment

Pharmacotherapies are integral to the management of alcoholism. Medication effectively prevents and treats withdrawal symptoms and complications, helps maintain abstinence and prevent relapse, and has a role in the treatment of coexisting psychiatric disorders. Benzodiazepines not only treat withdrawal symptoms effectively, but they have been shown to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Naltrexone, effective for reducing alcohol craving and for preventing relapse, is the most effective agent available for the management of alcohol dependence. These therapies should be individualized and administered by the generalist or specialist in the context of ongoing psychosocial support.