By Ellen Gurung, Specialist, American Society of Addiction Medicine, and Stephanie Swanson, Director, American Society of Addiction Medicine
In 2023, 28.9 million (10.2%) people aged 12 or older had a past year alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States (SAMHSA, 2024). Left untreated, AUD can have severe medical consequences including alcohol-associated liver disease, cancer, and an increased risk for injuries (CDC, 2021). AUD also leads to premature death and lower overall life expectancy in the United States compared to other high-income countries (CDC, 2021).
Only 7.9% of those with AUD received treatment and less than 2% took a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for AUD (MAUD) (NIAAA, 2024). Despite FDA approval of highly effective, evidence-based MAUD, these medications are substantially underutilized. This treatment gap is partially because customized resources and training are not available for the various members of the workforce treating patients with AUD (Anderson, 2009; Edwards, et al., 2023; Williams, et al., 2018). The lack of education available leads to reduced healthcare professional confidence to provide evidence-based AUD treatment, furthering poor outcomes for patients who receive inadequate care (Anderson, 2009; Edwards, et al., 2023; Williams, et al., 2018).
To address this treatment gap, Providers Clinical Support System – Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (PCSS-MAUD) provides free, comprehensive training, guidance, and mentoring on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AUD. PCSS-MAUD, a SAMHSA-funded initiative administered by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and its partners, aims to enhance the capacity of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to treat individuals with AUD, including with the use of FDA-approved MAUD.
