Knowledge, past use, and willingness to start medication‐assisted treatment among persons undergoing alcohol detoxification

• Published in: The American journal on addictions Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 118 - 121
• Main Authors: Stein, Michael D., Flori, Jessica N., Blevins, Claire E., Conti, Micah T., Anderson, Bradley J., Bailey, Genie L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-03-2017
• Subjects: Adult; Alcoholism - diagnosis; Alcoholism - drug therapy; Alcoholism - psychology; Female; Humans; Male; Medical History Taking - methods; Medication Therapy Management; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance - psychology; Patient Medication Knowledge; Secondary Prevention
• ISSN: 1055-0496; 1521-0391; 1521-0391
• DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12510

Background/Objectives
The current study examined knowledge of previous use, and willingness to take alcohol‐related medication among individuals in medically supervised detoxification.
Methods
Participants (n = 302) provided health and demographic information, substance use and detoxification history, PCP visits, and AA attendance.
Results
Most patients had knowledge of alcohol medications, one‐third had past prescription, and over 80% reported willingness to take medication. Previous detoxification predicted medication knowledge, while previous treatment predicted past prescription.
Discussion/Conclusions
More patients are willing to take medication than are prescribed medication.
Scientific Significance
Findings suggest the opportunity to increase medication use following detoxification which could reduce subsequent relapse. (Am J Addict 2017;26:118–121)