While the only FDA approved medications for AUD are naltrexone (best evidence!), acamprosate, and disulfiram, non-FDA approved topiramate and gabapentin can also help reduce heavy drinking with emerging evidence for GLP-1 agonists.
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based tool to help care for, identify, and address unhealthy or high risk use in pts who use substances, esp alcohol, in primary care. BI steps include: establish rapport, raise subject, provide feedback (“your drinking is above healthy limits”), enhance motivation, negotiate (a goal), and advise.
Getting into the holiday SBIRT: how do you help patients cut back on drinking? Read More »
To discuss substance use w/ a pt, start with a non-judgmental attitude, non-stigmatizing and person-first language, and acknowledging the pt is the expert in their experience; consider using RIP-TEAR framework for wording to guide your visit and conversation: RIP-TEAR stands for RISK-INITIATION-PATTERN — — TREATMENT EPISODES-EFFECTS-ABSTINENCE-RETURN TO USE:
How do you talk with patients about their substance use? Read More »
