Two-thirds of U.S. adults are unaware that there are medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD), and a significant number hold negative views about their use, according to a
study issued by
JAMA Internal Medicine.
Why It’s Relevant
Fewer than 3% of adults with alcohol use disorder receive a Food and Drug Administration–approved MAUD (naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram) each year. Although some of the barriers are structural, such as sparse insurance coverage and a shortage of treating clinicians, other important contributors to undertreatment may include stigma and lack of awareness about these medications.
By the Numbers
- Overall, 2,009 U.S. adults (average age 49) completed a RAND survey on their knowledge and perceptions of MAUD.
- Respondents were significantly more likely to have heard that there are medications to help people reduce or stop opioid use (49%) than for treating unhealthy alcohol use (34%).
- Just over half of respondents (54%) agreed that people with unhealthy alcohol use should consider MAUD as part of their treatment, whereas 13% disagreed.
- The most common reasons for hesitancy or negative views about MAUD were concern about adverse events or safety (57%), the view that unhealthy alcohol use should be handed without medication (32%), and a preference for counseling or support groups (32%).
What’s More
Black and Hispanic individuals surveyed were less likely to have a positive attitude about MAUD compared with White people (41%, 50%, and 59%, respectively). These results are consistent with prior research as well as factors such as lived experience with the health care system, the researchers wrote.
The Other Side
The broad theme of the survey—treating unhealthy alcohol use—may be prone to a response bias toward socially desirable answers, the researchers wrote.
Takeaway Message
The researchers recommended the use of targeted messages to increase awareness and improve attitudes about MAUD, including information on MAUD within primary care and pharmacy settings, public information campaigns that partner with trusted community messengers, and the incorporation of educational material into apps or other digital tools that could be used by individuals with unhealthy alcohol use.
Related Information
Source
Lori Uscher-Pines, et al. Medication for alcohol use disorder awareness and attitudes among U.S. adults. JAMA Internal Medicine. Published October 26, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2026.4873
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