ABSTRACT
Drugs are used in alcoholism treatment to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, to assist maintenance of abstinence and to treat mental health disorders that either lead to or resulted from excessive drinking. Considerable care and clinical skill are required in prescribing drugs to alcohol-dependent patients. The treatment must be safe, economical and effective. Treatment is commenced only after the diagnosis is established and the short-and long-term treatment goals are agreed upon. The choice of drug, its dose and the dosage schedule are determined by the medical and psychiatric status of the patient, as well as the pharmacological properties of the drug including its toxicity. Monitoring patients' compliance and drinking behaviour during treatment is essential in view of the potential for alcohol-drug interactions, for developing cross-dependence with certain psychotherapeutic drugs, and the risk of impulsive behaviour and self-harm. Duration of treatment or any alterations depend upon drug toxicity and success in attaining treatment goals. In this chapter, guidelines are discussed for the safe and effective use of drugs in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients.
