A whole-patient approach is reshaping the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD), emphasising personalised care and evidence-based strategies. Dr. Joseph Volpicelli highlights the importance of understanding how alcohol affects a patient’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. Recognising the individual’s goals and working collaboratively to create a treatment plan increases the likelihood of success. Naltrexone, a medication regarded as a gold standard, is often paired with psychosocial support to address the broader impacts of alcohol use, including anxiety and depression.
Dr. Volpicelli advises clinicians to meet patients where they are, focusing on incremental improvement rather than immediate results. This approach allows flexibility for those who might be ambivalent about quitting alcohol completely. Support systems and patient-clinician alliances encourage adherence to treatment, guiding individuals toward long-term recovery. More information is available at Psychiatric Times.
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