A 45 year old man with a long history of heavy drinking presents requesting help to stop. He meets criteria for severe alcohol use disorder but has no...

Question

A 45 year old man with a long history of heavy drinking presents requesting help to stop. He meets criteria for severe alcohol use disorder but has no withdrawal symptoms at present. Which pharmacologic treatment is most appropriate as part of a comprehensive management plan?

Accepted Answer

Start naltrexone or acamprosate as relapse prevention alongside counselling

Answer

Prescribe long term benzodiazepines to prevent withdrawal

Answer

Start disulfiram without discussing risks

Answer

No pharmacologic treatment; rely on willpower and peer support only

Answer

Prescribe short acting opioids to manage cravings

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Alcohol use disorder

A 45 year old man with a long history of heavy drinking presents requesting help to stop. He meets criteria for severe alcohol use disorder but has no withdrawal symptoms at present. Which pharmacologic treatment is most appropriate as part of a comprehensive management plan?