Knowledge, past use, and willingness to start medication-assisted treatment among persons undergoing alcohol detoxification

Background/Objectives The current study examined knowledge of previous use, and willingness to take alcohol-related medication among individuals in medically supervised detoxification. Methods Participants (n = 302) provided health and demographic information, substance use and detoxification history, PCP visits, and AA attendance. Results Most patients had knowledge of alcohol medications, one-third had past prescription, and over 80% reported willingness to take medication. Previous detoxification predicted medication knowledge, while previous treatment predicted past prescription. Discussion/Conclusions More patients are willing to take medication than are prescribed medication. Scientific Significance Findings suggest the opportunity to increase medication use following detoxification which could reduce subsequent relapse. (Am J Addict 2017;26:118–121)