Pharmacotherapies for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent in the United States and globally; however, there is a stark underutilization of medication-assisted treatment despite three FDA-approved medications and several other agents that are used off-label. This chapter explores the available pharmacological interventions for AUD, delving into their mechanisms of action, evidence of their therapeutic benefits, potential side effects, and other considerations. Beyond traditional pharmacotherapies, this chapter explores novel therapeutics and reviews existing evidence for their use in AUD.