Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12‐step programs for alcohol use disorder
Abstract Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) confers a prodigious burden of disease, disability, premature mortality, and high economic costs from lost productivity, accidents, violence, incarceration, and increased healthcare utilization. For over 80 years, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a widespread AUD recovery organization, with millions of members and treatment free at the point of access, […]
Family‐based prevention programmes for alcohol use in young people
Abstract Background Alcohol use in young people is a risk factor for a range of short‐ and long‐term harms and is a cause of concern for health services, policy‐makers, youth workers, teachers, and parents. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of universal, selective, and indicated family‐based prevention programmes in preventing alcohol use or problem drinking in […]
Baclofen for alcohol use disorder
Abstract Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol‐related impairments belong to the most widespread psychiatric disorders leading to specific psychophysical, affective and cognitive symptoms and consequences for psychosocial well‐being and health. Alcohol consumption is increasingly becoming a problem in many developing regions and AUD prevalence is estimated at 4.1% worldwide, with highest prevalence in European […]
Antidepressants for the treatment of people with co-occurring depression and alcohol dependence
Abstract Background Alcohol dependence is a major public health problem characterized by recidivism, and medical and psychosocial complications. The co-occurrence of major depression in people entering treatment for alcohol dependence is common, and represents a risk factor for morbidity and mortality, which negatively influences treatment outcomes. Objectives To assess the benefits and risks of antidepressants […]
Personalised digital interventions for reducing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption in community-dwelling populations
Abstract Background Excessive alcohol use contributes significantly to physical and psychological illness, injury and death, and a wide array of social harm in all age groups. A proven strategy for reducing excessive alcohol consumption levels is to offer a brief conversation-based intervention in primary care settings, but more recent technological innovations have enabled people to […]
Baclofen for alcohol withdrawal
Abstract Background Baclofen shows potential for rapidly reducing symptoms of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in people with alcoholism. Treatment with baclofen is easy to manage and rarely produces euphoria or other pleasant effects, or craving for the drug. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in 2015, Issue 4. Objectives […]
Opioid antagonists with minimal sedation for opioid withdrawal
Abstract Background Managed withdrawal is a necessary step prior to drug-free treatment or as the endpoint of long-term substitution treatment. Objectives To assess the effects of opioid antagonists plus minimal sedation for opioid withdrawal. Comparators were placebo as well as more established approaches to detoxification, such as tapered doses of methadone, adrenergic agonists, buprenorphine and […]
Buprenorphine for managing opioid withdrawal
Abstract Background Managed withdrawal is a necessary step prior to drug-free treatment or as the endpoint of substitution treatment. Objectives To assess the effects of buprenorphine versus tapered doses of methadone, alpha2-adrenergic agonists, symptomatic medications or placebo, or different buprenorphine regimens for managing opioid withdrawal, in terms of the intensity of the withdrawal syndrome experienced, […]
Psychosocial interventions for psychostimulant misuse
Abstract Background Psychostimulant misuse is a continuously growing medical and social burden. There is no evidence proving the efficacy of pharmacotherapy. Psychosocial interventions could be a valid approach to help patients in reducing or ceasing drug consumption. Objectives To assess the effects of psychosocial interventions for psychostimulant misuse in adults. Search methods We searched the […]
Psychostimulant drugs for cocaine dependence
Abstract Background Cocaine dependence is a severe disorder for which no medication has been approved. Like opioids for heroin dependence, replacement therapy with psychostimulants could be an effective therapy for treatment. Objectives To assess the effects of psychostimulants for cocaine abuse and dependence. Specific outcomes include sustained cocaine abstinence and retention in treatment. We also […]