[Pharmacological Treatment for Alcohol Dependence].

This review provides an overview of medications for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The medications were classified into three categories: medications for alcohol withdrawal, medications for maintaining abstinence from alcohol or reducing its consumption, and medications for insomnia in patients with alcohol dependence. Acamprosate is the first choice in maintaining abstinence, whereas to reduce drinking, nalmefene, which is available in Japan, is used. However, medications are not "stand-alone" treatments for alcohol dependence. Pharmacological treatments for maintaining abstinence and reducing drinking are effective only when used in conjunction with psychosocial treatment, such as cognitive and behavioral therapy for alcohol dependence.