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 report presents spending information for treatment of mental illness, substance use disorders, or both for people only enrolled in Medicaid, and those enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare. The report also covers fee-for-service spending and managed care spending.