Even though almost every week there is a headline on the news feeds about a new “cure” for alcoholism, the truth of the matter is that a real “cure” is not even in the cards. Reduction of cravings and ability to weather withdrawals yes, but other than making great headlines these drugs will serve as little more than tools in a comprehensive recovery program aka treatment.

This week however, US News raised the bar on misleading headlines when it claimed, “Prescribed Meds Still Best Treatment for Alcoholism”.

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As if to say “ignore the title of this piece”, the very first paragraph of this article states that prescribed meds can only reduce withdrawals and urges which are only part of the problem of alcoholism.

Sticking to a regimen of prescribed medications is the most effective way to reduce withdrawal symptoms and urges to drink alcohol in those being treated for alcohol dependence, according to a U.S. study.

Notice that the unquantified results of the drugs were tested in conjunction with proven behavioral modification treatments.

The study compared two medications (naltrexone and acamprosate) used in combination with two behavioral treatments — low-intensity medical management (MM) and moderately intensive combined behavioral intervention (CBI).

So a much more realistic headline would be: Prescription meds show promise as tools to increase success of proven treatment programs.

Another point, where did the author of this piece picked up the “still” portion of this headline either? As far as I know, prescription meds have never been considered the best treatment for alcoholism.

IMHO prescribed meds will never do more than aid progress in a treatment program, and if they are given too much weight or used for to long (remember, this is an addiction we are talking about) in this process they become more of a hindrance than a help.