Bringing Patient-Centered Care to Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common, chronic conditions affecting more than 10% of US adults.¹ Alcohol use disorders include a spectrum of problems due to impaired control over drinking and are a major contributor to disability and death in the United States.² However, patients with AUD receive poorer-quality care than patients with any other common chronic condition.³ Most patients with AUD do not receive treatment, and medications for AUD are particularly underutilized.⁴ The systematic review and meta-analysis by Jonas et al⁵ in this issue of JAMA has the potential to increase awareness and use of pharmacotherapy for AUD. The most important benefit of this review, however, will be if it leads to more patient-centered care for AUD.