- Acknowledge
that change is difficult.
- Support
efforts to cut down or abstain.
- Relate
drinking to ongoing problems as appropriate.
- Consider
(if not yet done):
-
consulting with an addiction specialist.
-
recommending a mutual help group.
- engaging
significant others.
-
prescribing a medication for alcohol dependent patients who endorse
abstinence as a goal.
- Address
coexisting disorders as needed.
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- Reinforce
and support continued adherence.
- Coordinate
care with specialists as appropriate.
- Maintain
medications for alcohol dependence for at least 3 months and as clinically
indicated thereafter.
- Treat
coexisting nicotine dependence.
- Address
coexisting disorders as needed.
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