TABLE 1.

Myths and misconceptions about AUD and ALD

Myth	Truth
If a person isn’t interested in abstinence, treatment for AUD is not indicated	Data support nonabstinent reductions in alcohol to reduce mortality, improve quality of life, and be sustainable in people with AUD. Data on ALD are currently lacking
Naltrexone is not safe in ALD	Evidence shows the safety and effectiveness of naltrexone, including reductions in mortality, even in those with cirrhosis. In decompensated cirrhosis, a risk-benefit discussion should precede starting it understanding the risk of continued alcohol use on the liver
Treating AUD, especially in the setting of ALD, requires an addiction specialist	Treatment of AUD and ALD is within the skillset of all clinicians. There are no additional certifications or training needed to prescribe any form of MAUD. All treatments, including behavioral treatment can be integrated into medical care
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most evidence-based form of behavioral treatment for AUD	While mutual support groups such as AA can serve as an accessible and useful adjunct to care, other behavioral treatments have robust evidence in the treatment of AUD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivation enhancement therapy, and twelve-step facilitation
Hospitalization is not an appropriate time to address AUD. People need to prove they are motivated to engage in treatment before starting MAUD	Acute illness and hospitalization can serve as a particularly high-impact time to address chronic diseases like AUD and ALD. Evidence-based care such as MAUD should be offered and started in all clinical settings, including the hospital

Abbreviations: AA, Alcoholics Anonymous; ALD, alcohol-associated liver disease; AUD, alcohol use disorder; MAUD, medications for alcohol use disorder.