Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

Nursing

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-24-2024

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the efficacy of first-line FDA-approved pharmacotherapy (naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram) compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in rates of alcohol consumption in adults aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods: Search engines utilized include PubMed, Cochrane Library, and APA PsychInfo, as well as the National Institute of Health. Search terms included “cognitive behavioral therapy,” “pharmacologic therapy,” “substance use disorder,” and “alcohol use disorder.” The primary endpoint was rates of alcohol consumption. Filters included English texts, publication date from 2018 to present, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systemic reviews. Inclusion criteria included adults aged 18-65 years old diagnosed with AUD.

Results: Naltrexone was found to increase abstinence and reduce heavy drinking. Acamprosate was found to increase rates of abstinence but was not found to reduce heavy drinking. Disulfiram was found to reduce heavy drinking but was not found to increase abstinence. CBT was found to reduce rates of alcohol consumption but was not found to increase abstinence. Multimodality therapy with CBT and first-line pharmacotherapy had a greater reduction of alcohol consumption and relapse compared to monotherapy with pharmacotherapy. Comparisons between the efficacy of CBT and first-line pharmacotherapy were inconclusive.

Conclusion: A synergistic relationship between CBT and first-line pharmacotherapy has been found to exist, that of which could prove to be highly beneficial toward the treatment of individuals with AUD.

Keywords: alcohol use, abstinence, heavy drinking, monotherapy, multimodality therapy, naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, cognitive behavioral therapy

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