Pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence: past, present and future research.

Alcohol dependence represents a chronic, relapsing condition with a multifactorial aetiology that includes genetic, neurobiological,psychological, and environmental components. Evidence for the effectiveness of medications in alcohol dependence treatment along with the increased number of compounds available is increasing the use of adjunctive pharmacotherapies. In particular, pharmacotherapies could conceivably address some of the biological aspects of alcohol dependence. Treating a complex behavioral disorder such as alcohol dependence with both pharmacotherapy and psychosocial therapy may give people the best options for recovery. To address the exciting developments in the use of pharmacotherapies for alcohol dependence, we planned this special issue for Current Pharmaceutical Design, entitled "Old and new pharmacotherapies in the management of patients with alcohol dependence". The overall purpose of this special issue is to provide a resource, that researchers and clinicians interested in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence may use, as well as to stimulate how current findings and ongoing research may improve the treatment of our alcohol-dependent patients.