Treatment of alcoholism as a chronic disorder

Alcoholism is a common disorder that tends to be chronic and relapsing. Although there is clear evidence that treatment can be expected to induce a period of remission or at least decreased symptoms, treatment of alcoholism is generally regarded as unsuccessful. Alcoholism should be approached as a chronic medical disorder such as diabetes or arthritis. Complete abstinence is the preferred goal, but "cures" or permanent abstinence from alcohol are rare. In this model, treatment benefits may be measured by length of remission, reduction in alcohol use, improvement in health and enhancement of social functioning. Treatment continues over a period of years, mainly on an outpatient basis with increasing intensity if symptoms recur. Medications that reduce craving for alcohol or diminish the euphoric effects of alcohol would be very helpful in the management of this chronic disorder. Pre-clinical studies have produced evidence for involvement of the endogenous opioid system in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Recent controlled clinical trials of the opiate receptor antagonist naltrexone suggest that medications of this type may improve the results of treatment for alcoholism.