Despite the wide prevalence of alcohol misuse and the existence of evidence-based treatments, including three FDA-approved medications, only a small percentage of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment.  Despite the wide prevalence of alcohol misuse and the existence of evidence-based treatments, including three FDA-approved medications, only a small percentage of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment.  

While typical screening tools for problem drinking focus on quantity and frequency of alcohol consumed, these tools may be ineffective for bariatric surgery patients, due in part to changes in the way their bodies process alcohol postoperatively. 

Although drinking rates for older adults are less than that of young adults, adverse consequences related to alcohol use for people aged 65 and older are greater. 

Though not a marker for alcohol use disorders, this new variant sheds light on why some people may enjoy drinking more than others. 

Research in mice shows that some neurons associated with mood respond differently in males and females after the animals are forced to abstain from alcohol. 

People with substance use disorders may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and loss of peer support can be dangerous. Psychiatrists and addiction specialists are finding new ways to engage with individuals to help them progress in their recovery and in treatment. 

Managing patients with polysubstance use requires understanding the complex biological interactions between different substances as well as the social dynamics behind why individuals are being exposed to their specific substance combination. Managing patients with polysubstance use requires understanding the complex biological interactions between different substances as well as the social dynamics behind why individuals are being exposed to their specific substance combination. 

Carl Bell, M.D., argues in a National Academy of Medicine report on the social determinants of health that pregnant women should receive supplementary choline to limit the effects of even inadvertent alcohol exposure. 

Psychiatrists have effective tools—and the responsibility—to treat more patients with substance use disorders. This article is part of a series by APA’s Council on Advocacy and Government Relations. Psychiatrists have effective tools—and the responsibility—to treat more patients with substance use disorders. This article is part of a series by APA’s Council on Advocacy and Government Relations.