A Narrative Review of Current and Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder contributes to over 140,000 annual deaths in the United States, over 200 related diseases globally, and 5.1% of the global disease burden, yet remains undertreated with few approved medications. This narrative review describes the current treatment landscape and novel strategies for alcohol withdrawal syndrome and AUD, including psychedelics combined with psychotherapy, noninvasive neural-circuit-based interventions, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Recent studies show promising results for these approaches, but further research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness. The shortage of approved medications and other treatment modalities highlights the urgent need for continued investigation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. It contributes to over 140,000 annual deaths, to over 200 related diseases and health conditions globally, and accounts for 5.1% of the global disease burden. Despite its substantial impact, AUD remains undertreated, marked by a scarcity of approved medications. This paper explores the current treatment landscape and novel strategies for both alcohol withdrawal syndrome and AUD. Promising results, including the use of psychedelics alongside psychotherapy, noninvasive neural-circuit-based interventions, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, have emerged from recent studies. While these advancements show potential, further research is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness. The clear shortage of approved medications and other treatment modalities underscores the pressing need for ongoing research.