Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
A chronic disease affecting the brain, causing compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using. AUD can be triggered at any time in a person’s life such as early exposure as a teen, at retirement or following a traumatic event.
How many people are affected by AUD?
AUD directly affects approximately 18% of the population, and indirectly affects almost everyone. 7.7% of Canadian deaths are related to alcohol abuse (2016); 5% worldwide -- more than lung cancer and HIV combined.
How many medications are proven to be effective?
Currently at least six including Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Topiramate, Gabapentin, Baclofen and Ondansetron.
How do the medications work?
Generally, they help with brain healing, making a person feel better and have less of a need for alcohol.
Will any of these drugs work for me?
Not all will work, but it is highly likely at least one of them will work for you.
How is it determined which medication should be used?
Your clinician (physician or other primary care provider) will work with you to determine the most likely medication or medications that will work. This will be based on your personal and family history.
How long do I need to take the medication?
Usually between three and twelve months.
How does taking medication work with other supports such as counselling?
Medications are not meant to replace or substitute a person's existing support network including cultural, traditional or community led healing initiatives or practices but are available as an option to provide stability and freedom from cravings while the work of healing and recovery take place.
What is the chance of relapse?
It is lowered when these medications are used. If it does occur, medications which initially worked can be relied on again to help.
Does one of the recommended medications cause you to become ill when drinking alcohol?
No. A medication called Antabuse (disulfiram) can cause discomfort, and is NOT recommended as a part of the CAUDS Approach. As noted by the BC Centre on Substance Use: ”Disulfiram is not recommended over other available pharmacotherapies for AUD that have been proven effective in preventing relapse and/or reducing alcohol consumption.”
Can I take more than one medication?
Yes. Your clinician may recommend more than one medication.
How much do the medications cost?
Cost to patients vary by location. In British Columbia, for example, four of the medications range from $25 to $45 per month. The remaining two medications may be covered by provincial plans, otherwise the cost is $150 per month.
Does my care provider know about these medications?
Possibly, but this is only starting to be taught at medical schools. In a recent study fewer than one percent of patients were offered one of these medications for treatment of AUD. The Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society is working with providers to spread awareness about treatments. Please talk to your care provider about the possibility of treatment options.
How long has the effectiveness of treatment been known?
Most of these medications have been known to be to be effective for decades.
Why am I just hearing about effective medications now?
The reasons are varied, having to do with medical training, with past misinformation about medications, and because AUD is only just now being understood as a brain disorder.
Which authorities or organizations support the use of some or all of these medications?
A partial list includes: ● British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) ● American Physciatric Association ● The Mayo Clinic ● Veterans Hospital Administration ● European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) ● Australia Department of Health AUD Guidelines 2009 ● Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé [ANSM] 2018
Are pharmaceutical companies promoting these medications?
Not generally. Most of these medications were developed for other conditions and have not been marketed for AUD.
Visit our AUD Facts and Patient and Family Resources page to learn more.
Please note: Patients should discuss Alcohol Use Disorder with their health care provider to determine what treatment options might be a good fit, and to devise an overall care plan together.