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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
Published on: January 7, 2019
Treating Alcohol Problems in the Context of Other Drug Abuse
William R Miller1, Melanie E Bennett1
1William R. Miller, Ph.D., is Regents' Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Melanie E. Bennett, Ph.D., is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions (CASAA), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Abstract:
People seeking treatment for alcohol problems frequently abuse other drugs as well, such as tobacco, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and opiates. The problem of polydrug use raises important issues for treatment providers. A person who abuses multiple drugs may have a more difficult time stopping drinking and a higher risk for relapse to alcohol use after treatment. Conversely, a person who successfully stops drinking may offset this achievement by substituting another drug for alcohol. Successful treatment must take into account both alcohol- and drug-related issues, with particular emphasis on assessment, motivation, treatment design, and outcome evaluation.
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