Alcohol Use Disorder is a chronic brain disease that causes people to feel compelled to drink, to drink too much and not be able to stop — even if it means losing a job, home or family.

Alcohol Use Disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing, that deserves compassionate care just as those with other medical conditions receive.

Medications to treat AUD can take away cravings and alleviate the agony of physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, agitation and anxiety.

Six different medications can be prescribed to patients, offering a broader range of treatment options. If one medication doesn’t work, patients will usually find success with another.

Medications are not meant to replace or substitute counselling or traditional supports, but are an option to provide stability and freedom from cravings while the work of healing and recovery take place.

Many patients can stop taking medications within a few months of treatment, and may only need to use them briefly again if they experience a relapse.

Medications help to heal the brain and reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so that some people can choose not to drink, or to just drink a little.

AUD is only just beginning to be treated as a medical condition, with studies showing that few people are offered this treatment by their care providers.

Alcohol Use Disorder is an underlying factor in many issues such as physical and mental health, housing, poverty, food security, addictions, domestic violence, and employment retention (CIHI Alcohol Harm).

Alcohol is one of the most harmful and costly drugs in Canada, associated with an estimated 18,320 deaths in the country and $5.4-billion in health care costs in 2017 (Cdn Substance Use Cost/Harms).

As many as 18% of Canadians, ages 15 and older, are affected by AUD in their lifetime. Indirectly, the disorder affects just about everyone (Stats Canada).

Medications are only to be taken on the advice of a health care professional, who can assess a person’s health history, and integrate the treatment into an overall care plan.