Psychodynamic Themes in the Pharmacotherapy of Alcoholic Outpatients.

Current alcohol treatment programs are comprised of a combination of diverse therapeutic modalities. The use of carefully prescribed psychotropic medications is an important treatment component for selected alcoholic patients. The prescription of medication to alcoholics sometimes raises psychodynamic issues which influence the treatment. Identifying these issues may enhance the treatment process for both patlent and doctor. Two case examples which illustrate these points are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]