An overview and critique of advances in the treatment of alcohol use disorders

Abstract

SUMMARY This article reviews recent developments in the field of alcoholism treatment research. The following major topics are addressed: the relative efficacy and cost-effectiveness of various treatment approaches, the use of brief interventions, the identification of patient-treatment matches and treatment processes that predict better outcomes, the efficacy of self-help groups, relapse prevention, the treatment of dual-diagnosis alcoholics, and pharmacotherapy. Under-studied and unresolved issues are identified and discussed, and suggestions are made concerning future research.