Medications Initiated in 30% of Hospitalizations for Alcohol Use Disorder Among Veterans

Summary: When veterans go to the hospital for alcohol problems, only about 30% get the medicine they need to help them quit. A new study looked at over 29,000 hospital visits in the Veterans Health Administration. Most of the veterans who did get helpful medicines, like naltrexone, got them while they were still in the hospital.

Veterans had a much better chance of getting these medicines if they saw a mental health or addiction expert during their stay. However, older veterans, men, Native Americans, and those who were very weak or in the ICU were less likely to get the medicine. Doctors say hospitals need to do a better job making sure every veteran gets equal treatment and the right help.

For more details, see Gastroenterology Advisor at gastroenterologyadvisor.com/news/medications-initiated-in-30-of-hospitalizations-for-alcohol-use-disorder-among-veterans/ (opens in new tab)