Increasing Medication Adherence

Pharmacotherapy adherence rates of AUD patients are generally low in Australia. Poor medication adherence may be due to: adverse side effects; stigma attached to taking medication for an AUD; the lack of any immediate reward for complying with these pharmacotherapies; fears about the safety and side effects of the medication. Adherence to pharmacotherapies may be assisted by: 

1. Eliciting the patient’s thoughts and concerns about taking medication and using cognitive restructuring techniques to help them change unhelpful or maladaptive thoughts about taking medication 
2. Providing the patient with a realistic view of the way in which the medication can help, its side effects, and any risks associated with its use 
3. Using motivational interviewing techniques to help the patient to identify their personal benefits and costs of taking the medication 
4. Providing the patient with some take-home reading material about the medication 
5. Following up patients who miss appointments 

Adherence may also be a problem in patients that suffer cognitive impairment from chronic drinking. Aids to enhance adherence in such instances include: family supervision, medication calendars, special containers, dispensing systems, reminders and follow-up monitoring from health professionals.