The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effects on healthcare systems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as individuals with severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). A new study from the TRR265 research consortium examined the trajectories of 45 patients undergoing intensive outpatient treatment with disulfiram (Antabuse). Longitudinal data analysis (2019–2022) revealed a significant decline in treatment retention during lockdowns, with an increase in therapy discontinuations. Following the pandemic, patient numbers showed a slow recovery but did not fully return to pre-pandemic levels.
The findings highlight the vulnerability of AUD patients in times of crisis and emphasize the need for alternative treatment approaches. In particular, telemedical interventions could help maintain treatment continuity when access to healthcare is restricted. Notably, patients who remained in the program despite pandemic-related barriers did not show an increased rate of abstinence violations, suggesting that disulfiram treatment remains effective even under challenging conditions.
These insights provide important guidance for improving addiction treatment in crisis situations. The authors stress the need for future studies to explore the long-term effects of pandemic-related restrictions on AUD and the efficacy of different treatment strategies.
🔗 Read the full study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-90081-5
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