[Treatment recommendations for alcohol dependence--comparison of German and international guidelines]

In order to identify relevant recommendations for the treatment of alcohol dependent adults a systematic guideline research was conducted on national and international guideline providers. The research showed differences between German and international guidelines in terms of the treatment goal and the resulting treatment recommendations. In Germany, abstinence is the only accepted treatment goal. An alcohol reduction in terms of harm reduction is recommended by one guideline as an intermediate goal. The recommended treatment options include intensive inpatient measures such as detoxification and alcohol withdrawal. Further outpatient treatment of alcohol dependency is not recommended by German guidelines. International guidelines also recommend abstinence as the goal for all patients. Beyond, the reduction of alcohol consumption is recommended as a possible treatment goal under certain conditions if abstinence not (yet) is possible. Thereby the treatment goal should be set individually considering the patient's feasibility and wishes. Besides abstinence also the reduction of alcohol consumption leads to an improvement of health. Therefore patients aiming for this goal should also be supported. Furthermore, the inclusion of patient's wishes in the goal setting leads to better treatment outcomes. Therefore, an extension of goal setting and treatment recommendations towards the reduction of alcohol consumption seems reasonable for Germany. Furthermore, the adaption to the state of international guidelines seems reasonable.