Alcohol treatment news: future of therpeutics; problem drinking in opiate addicts; increasing self-efficacy; impact of domestic abuse on treatment experience

Therapeutics for alcoholism: what's the future?

• As with other addictions, human alcoholism is characterised as a chronically relapsing condition. Consequently, the therapeutic goal is the development of clinically effective, safe drugs that promote high adherence rates and prevent relapse. These products can then be used in conjunction with psychosocial approaches.
• In this review, preclinical studies are highlighted that indicate the mechanism of action of currently used anti-craving medications or demonstrate the potential of novel pharmacological agents for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
• While current pharmacological strategies are far from ideal, there are a number of candidate molecules that may ultimately be developed into therapeutic agents. In addition, prescribing clinicians should also consider strategies such as combinations of various drugs to aid in the regulation of aberrant alcohol consumption.

Lawrence AJ. Therapeutics for alcoholism: what's the future? Drug Alcohol Rev 2007;26:3 - 8  Drug and Alcohol Review

Problem drinking in relation to treatment outcome among opiate addicts in methadone maintenance treatment

• This study analyzed indicators of alcohol-related problems in opiate addicts before, during, and after leaving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), in relation to illicit drug use and retention in treatment.
• The results of the present study indicate that drinking problems among patients undergoing MMT is associated with an increased risk of relapse into illicit drug use and with discharge from treatment.
• Concurrent treatment of alcohol-related problems, including systematic monitoring of alcohol use, therefore should be recommended to reduce the risk for relapse into illicit drug use and improve overall treatment outcome in MMT.

Stenbacka M, Beck O, Leifman A, Romelsjö A, Helander A. Problem drinking in relation to treatment outcome among opiate addicts in methadone maintenance treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev 2007;26:55 - 63  Drug and Alcohol Review


How do we increase problem drinkers' self-efficacy? A nurse-led brief intervention putting theory into practice

• The work undertaken aimed to develop an alcohol-related brief intervention based on the theoretical concepts of the self-efficacy construct. The brief intervention was to be administered by general nurses in a general hospital setting for patients who were identified as potential problem drinkers.
• Using the theoretical concepts of the self-efficacy construct a single session nurse administered minimal intervention was developed. The brief intervention comprised of nine stages.
• The development of a nurse-administered intervention with a sound theoretical basis demonstrates the ability to link theory to practice. The intervention was implemented within a general hospital setting following identification of potential problem drinkers.

A. S. Holloway, H. E. Watson, G. Starr  How do we increase problem drinkers' self-efficacy? A nurse-led brief intervention putting theory into practice Journal of Substance Use, Volume 11, Issue 6 December 2006, pages 375 - 386  Journal of Substance Use

Safety first? The impact of domestic abuse on women's treatment experience

• This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study designed to investigate what is known about women's experiences of domestic abuse and their impact on treatment outcomes.
• Aims: To explore whether domestic abuse has an impact on women's access to treatment, retention, relapse, or increase in their substance use. 
• Findings: Practice-based evidence suggests women's engagement with and retention in treatment is negatively affected by domestic abuse. Literature-based evidence is equivocal and limited in scope, quality and quantity.
• Conclusions: While further research is required to substantiate the practice-based evidence, it appears that treatment service providers are failing to recognize and address the issue of domestic abuse among their service users, leaving women and their children at risk.

Sarah Galvani Safety first? The impact of domestic abuse on women's treatment experience, Journal of Substance Use, Volume 11, Issue 6 December 2006, pages 395 - 407 Journal of Substance Use

Comments

[alcohol intervention]

I am glad you included alcohol intervention in your post. I am hoping that sooner this will be practiced in our hospitals a I see this a very promising method to deter alcoholism. Thanks for this post.

--mary

[Alcohol Rehab Program]

Great post, Libby! It's about time that people should face the battle of alcoholism in our society. We may experiment on the use of certain medications to finally find a cure. But, what is is more important is for people to understand how alcoholics feel and how a sensitive alcohol rehab program can make them a better person. Full recovery should come with renewed spirit and revived confidence. Thanks! I've learned so much from your post!