Introduction: Approved treatments for alcohol use disorder by regulatory agencies

Abstract

Alcohol, the most widely consumed substance globally, can lead to severe adverse effects for both users and those around them. Chronic ethanol consumption may lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), a chronic relapsing condition characterized by compulsive drinking despite negative consequences. AUD is marked by a high relapse rate among individuals attempting abstinence. Currently, only a few medications, such as disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene, and acamprosate, are approved to treat AUD. Moreover, genetic factors and comorbid conditions can significantly influence both the development of AUD and the efficacy of its treatment. This chapter explores the genetic underpinnings of AUD and reviews the main pharmacological treatments available for managing this disorder.

Keywords: Acamprosate; Baclofen; Disulfiram; Nalmefene; Naltrexone.