Breaking Down Alcohol Use Disorder: Medications and Strategies with Dr. Alyssa Peterkin
We really need to talk to our patients about their drinking and prescribe medications, they work and like you can do it.
When it comes to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), many healthcare providers find themselves unsure of the best approach. This episode of The Curbsiders Addiction Medicine Podcast aims to clear up that confusion. Dr. Alyssa Peterkin, an internal medicine and addiction medicine physician, joins the team to provide a thorough guide on diagnosing and treating AUD.
She emphasizes the importance of using more than just a single screening question, advocating for tools like the audit-c and the cage questionnaire to get a full picture of a patient's drinking habits. Dr. Peterkin doesn't just stop at diagnosis; she dives into the various pharmacotherapy options available. Naltrexone is her go-to medication, praised for its effectiveness and ease of use. She also discusses gabapentin and topiramate as alternative treatments, especially useful for patients with co-occurring disorders.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Peterkin stresses the need for patient education, particularly about potential side effects and the importance of sticking to the prescribed treatment plan. The conversation wraps up with practical advice on patient follow-up and the importance of addressing all factors contributing to AUD. This episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice, making it a must-listen for healthcare professionals looking to improve their approach to treating alcohol use disorder.