Improving Medication Adherence in Alcohol Dependence

Adherence to a medication regimen is difficult for many individuals with chronic disorders, but is especially problematic in patients being treated with medications for alcohol dependence. Poor treatment adherence adds a formidable barrier to the management of this challenging disorder, significantly reducing the chance of successfully treating alcohol dependence. Psychosocial interventions developed by experts in the field are currently available in published manuals and provide guidance for improving adherence in alcohol-dependent patients. Future directions in pharmacologic treatments that bypass the burden of daily pill taking include long-acting injectable formulations—a strategy that has already shown promise in the treatment of schizophrenia.