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    Substance Use Continuum of Care

    Systems and Models of Care

    F5 - Closing the Treatment Gap: Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

    Tuesday, May 6, 2025
    10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
    Location: 105AB
    NASW CCB ACCME ANCC APA NY-SW NY-MHC NADAAC NBCC
    In 2022, 29.5 million people aged 12 or older had a past year alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States. Among those with AUD, only 7.6% received any type of treatment in the past year and less than 2% took a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for AUD (MAUD). Lack of AUD focused education and training for healthcare professionals, particularly on MAUD, is a contributing factor to the treatment gap. This session aims to close that gap by building skills to diagnose AUD, determine a MAUD based on the patient goals, and how to manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Recognize how to apply non-stigmatizing language when engaging with patients with alcohol use disorder.
    • Describe the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the three FDA-approved medications for AUD, and how best to determine a medication regimen based on the patient’s health and goals.
    • Demonstrate how to assess risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome and determine a treatment plan based on risk.

      Breakout Presenter(s)

    • Aaron Williams, MA

      Senior Advisor of Practice Improvement and Consulting
      National Council for Mental Wellbeing
      NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland

    • Akhil Anand, MD

      Staff Psychiatrist
      Cleveland Clinic
      NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland