90 Even though seemingly innovative psychotherapy concepts have been presented and praised every now and then, and a number of new medications

have been launched, until now no treatment concept has been found that yields superior outcome data than the well-known and clinically often practiced combination of broad-spectrum behavior therapy and medical management. Considering the high prevalence and chronicity, the fluctuating and devastating course, the increased mortality, and the low long-term abstinence rates, a challenging understanding of alcoholism Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical treatment emerges. Alcohol dependence is among a group of chronic diseases such as chronic polyarthritis, hypertension, bronchial asthma, and diabetes mellitus that require a flexible, intensive, and lifelong treatment.4,94,102 Consequently, the question arises as to why Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical therapists, therapy researchers, and social insurance agencies

still recommend the so-called brief interventions as seemingly successful therapeutic options for individuals with alcohol dependence. Brief interventions may constitute treatment alternatives for individuals with risky consumption and alcohol abuse, and for these patients they can achieve outcomes with medium effect sizes. However, they are ineffective in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients.103-105 Principles of an Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical outpatient long-term treatment of alcohol-dependent patients The basic principles of an innovative biopsychosocial treatment approach are

derived from the evidence of epidemiology, pathogenesis, course, and treatment outcome of alcohol dependence102,106,107: Strict abstinence orientation. Alcohol dependence is an irreversible Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical and incurable disease. Only consequent long-term abstinence can stop disease progression and enhance the recovery process. Treatment approaches that aim at so-called “controlled drinking” are contraindicated for alcohol-dependent patients. SB203580 research buy supportive, nonconfronting therapist behavior. During the first months of abstinence, alcohol-dependent patients demonstrate a strong impairment of the psychobiological Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical stress system which only recovers slowly Whereas confronting and emotionally stressful therapeutic interventions like cue exposure are harmful, the supportive, client-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapeutic strategies have proven efficient. Chronic disease – intensive, lifelong treatment. Chronic alcohol dependence is associated with a strong unless genetic disposition, irreversible neurobiological damage, and decades of self-destructive learning processes. Only long-term and comprehensive therapies, followed by lifelong attendance of checkup sessions and self-help group participation, can guarantee long-term recovery. A relapse is an emergency. Alcohol dependence is a severe psychiatric disease demonstrating high rates of physical and psychiatric comorbid disorders, a vast number of social problems, and a significantly increased mortality risk.