Alcoholism Disease State Management

In order to prepare your pharmacy for Alcohol Dependence month, which occurs during the month of April, it is important to understand the disease and the treatment options. Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease characterized by repeated alcohol consumption, compulsive alcohol use, and the physiological dependence on alcohol. It is estimated that almost one third of Americans consume a sufficient amount of alcohol to be considered a high risk for alcohol dependence. Some of the warning signs of alcohol dependence in individuals are:

Drinking first thing in the morning
Drinking alone or outside of social events
Drinking to the point of intoxication
Drinking that results in blackouts or memory loss
Drinking that results in injuries, accidents, or aggressive behavior
Drinking to deal with pressure or emotional problems
Drinking to the point intoxication on a regular basis

Treatment for alcohol dependence varies for each individual. However, studies have shown that individuals that complete a treatment program, which may include counseling and 12-step structured treatment programs, have the highest success rate for long-term sobriety. Drug treatment has historically played an adjunctive role in allowing an individual to break their dependence on alcohol. At this point, there are only three medications that are approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence: disulfiram (Antabuse ®), naltrexone (Trexan ®, Revia ®, Depade ®, and Vivitrol ®), and acamprosate (Campral ®). These drugs typically work on mid-brain receptors to ease withdrawal, blunt craving and dull the euphoria associated with drinking.

Links - Alcoholism

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism supports and conducts biomedical and behavioral research on the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence provides education, information, help and hope to the public.

The Association for Addiction Professionals's mission is to lead, unify and empower addiction focused professionals to achieve excellence through education, advocacy, knowledge, standards of practice, ethics, professional development and research.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

Al-Anon helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Similarly, Alateen is our recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members.

American Council on Alcoholism is a national non-profit 501(c)3 health organization dedicated to educating the public about the effects of alcohol, alcoholism and alcohol abuse, and the need for prompt, effective, available, and affordable treatment.

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