Current strategies for the treatment of alcohol dependence in the United States.

Substantial progress has been reported in the treatment of patients with alcoholism in the United States. Studies that seek to identify the most appropriate form of therapy for alcohol-dependent patients have been an important part of this effort. Recognition that psychotherapy alone cannot help all patients who have alcoholism has led to interest in the use of pharmacotherapy. Recent research demonstrates that pharmacotherapy with the opioid receptor antagonists naltrexone and nalmefene helps prevent relapse in many alcohol-dependent patients.