Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.

Lee,  Kye Seong

doi:2012.13.2.85

J Korean Diabetes > Volume 13(2); 2012 > Article

Focused Issue

The Journal of Korean Diabetes 2012;13(2):85-90.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2012.13.2.85 Published online June 30, 2012.

알코올 사용장애의 치료

이계성

Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.

Kye Seong Lee

Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National Hospital, Seoul, Korea. drkslee@hotmail.com

Abstract

Prevention through screening and early intervention in the primary care setting are the best treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is characterized by compulsive alcohol use potentially resulting in death. Recognizing alcohol use disorder as a chronic relapsing brain disorder is the starting point for treatment. Binge drinking and prolonged use of alcohol can not only result in changes to one's mood state, cognitive functions, and behavior, but also has damaging effects on the brain and other organs. In addition, prolonged alchol use can result in mental illness, physical disease, or social, financial, or legal problems. Like other chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, alcohol use disorder has no cure, and is characterized by relapses requiring longitudinal long-term management strategies, of which treatment adherence and medication compliance are important components. Treatment for alcohol use disorder will be more effective when it combines biological, psychological, and social context approaches.

Key Words: Alcohol, Diabetes mellitus, Abuse, Dependence, Intervention, Treatment