This Advisory, based on TIP 49, Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice, focuses on medication and related treatment decisions made after screening and assessment for AUD, and medically supervised withdrawal, if necessary. Alcohol consumption should not stop abruptly in those patients who have consumed alcohol regularly over a prolonged period of time. This Advisory is meant as an overview of AUD medications to facilitate abstinence.

This manual lists examples of brief intervention and brief treatment for alcohol and drug misuse. It offers criteria for providing brief therapy and longer-term treatment. The manual also provides sample brief-assessment instruments, and lists other professionals who can provide brief interventions.