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Alcohol Use Disorder in Primary Care: Effective, Doable, and Deeply Rewarding Work

Clinical Thought
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This activity is available for 0.25 CME/CE credit(s).

Released: September 15, 2026

Expiration: September 14, 2027

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In 2024, 27.9 million people in the United States had past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD), but only 2.5% received pharmacotherapy treatment. This multiexpert-led commentary explores practical strategies primary care healthcare professionals can use to close this gap, including routine screening and brief intervention, patient-centered pharmacotherapy, appropriate referral, and longitudinal support to improve outcomes for patients with AUD.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Pre Assessment

Assess your current knowledge and clinical approach before beginning your ClinicalThought.
1.

How many people with AUD do you provide care for in a typical month?​

2.

For those who practice in academic or community settings, please indicate your practice setting:

3.

A 52-year-old patient completes AUDIT-C during a routine primary care visit and screens positive for unhealthy alcohol use. Further clinical assessment confirms moderate AUD. The patient would like to reduce alcohol use but is not interested in specialty addiction treatment at this time. The patient is currently taking an opioid analgesic and has normal renal function.