The Need for Biochemical Testing for Alcohol in Integrated Addiction Treatment Settings During the Opioid Epidemic

Abstract

As the opioid crisis drives expansion of integrated opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment programs in generalist settings, these programs will contend with significant rates of co-occurring alcohol use. The authors present a brief literature review and commentary regarding nondisordered and disordered alcohol use in OUD treatment settings and biochemical detection techniques. Biochemical testing for alcohol in integrated OUD treatment settings is both important for detecting alcohol use disorder and feasible. Breathalyzer testing may assist with management of acutely intoxicated patients. Biochemical testing for alcohol is an important part of integrated OUD treatment. More research is needed on the impact of alcohol use on OUD treatment outcomes and the role of breathalyzer testing in management of intoxicated patients in the outpatient setting.