Historical Comparison on Alcoholism

Alcoholism 30 years ago

• Little was known about he genetic basis of alcoholism or when the nervous system changes that occur as a result of heavy drinking
• Alcoholism was thought to be a disease of middle age
• Antabuse (disulfiram) was the only medication approved for treating alcoholism. Antabuse produces acute sensitivity to alcohol. This sensitivity causes a highly unpleasant reaction when the patient ingests even a small amount of alcohol.
• Other treatments included various behavioral approaches, mostly group counseling and referral to Alcoholics Anonymous. These treatments were only offered in intensive programs provided at specific locations separated from mainstream health care.
• Research seems to indicate relatively few people with alcoholism ever receive treatment

Alcoholism Today

• Researchers have identified genes that increase an individual%u2019s risk for alcoholism, as well as genes that protect against alcohol problems.
• The neural basis of alcoholism was clarified. Research showing that drinking is influenced by multiple neurotransmitter systems, neuromodulators, hormones and intracellular networks provides evidence of a number of potential target sites for which new medications may be developed
• Multiple excellent animal models provide valuable tools for today%u2019s researchers
• Clinicians have access to a wide range of treatment options that can be tailored to patient%u2019s specific needs and a broad array of drinking problems can be effectively treated by non-specialists
• Screening and brief intervention %u2013 one to four repeated short counseling sessions focused on increasing motivation to reduce drinking has recently emerged as an effective strategy for addressing high-risk drinking
• Investigators developed screening tools that allow clinicians to quickly and reliably determine if their patients%u2019 alcohol consumption patterns place them at risk for future adverse consequences. Studies show that brief interventions delivered in trauma units can reduce subsequent drinking and injuries.
• Several behavioral approaches, such as motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and 12-step facilitation are effective in treating alcoholism, offering the patient and therapist a choice of approach. Brief counseling by a health care professional combined with medication recently was found to be as effective as specialized counseling. Thus, it may be possible to provide access to effective treatment to many p more people in primary care and mental health clinics
• When used in conjunction with behavioral therapies, medications improve the chance for recovery and the lives of those who suffer from alcoholism