Initiation of pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder in Japan: a longitudinal descriptive study

Although the observed incidence may have been inflated by Japan's reimbursement policy, which requires an AUD diagnosis before medication can be prescribed, pharmacotherapy initiation exceeded that reported in other countries and has increased steadily since FY 2012. Introduction of new drugs and guideline dissemination appear to have accelerated treatment initiation and substantially altered treatment practice. These findings can help clinicians and policy-makers close the persistent treatment gap.