AMA VICDOC_Spring 2026_09.09.2026 - Flipbook - Page 24
“It’s not possible to address the demand
“We want to let our GP and gastroenterology
from people seeking support and treatment
colleagues know that naltrexone is there,
for their AUD without engaging GPs.
and it can make an enormous difference
However, many GPs are not willing or
to people who have problematic alcohol
confident in assessing and providing
use with a readily available, government-
first-line pharmacotherapies for AUD,”
approved medication. We’re just not making
says Paul.
enough use of it.”
For more guidance on naltrexone and the pharmacological treatment of
AUD, read a recent AJGP paper Dean co-authored:
Naltrexone: A safe and effective standard of care in treating alcohol
use disorder.
Dr Paul MacCartney (MBBS FRACGP FAChAM) is a GP and Addiction Medicine Specialist at cohealth, Adj Prof at the
Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University and Victoria’s Chief Addiction Medicine Advisor.
Dr Dean Membrey (MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACGP FAChAM) is a GP and Addiction Medicine Specialist at cohealth.
Moving along: the motion to improve treatment of AUD
In July 2026, the AMA Victoria Council moved a motion to improve treatment of
alcohol use disorder. It requests that the AMA Victoria Board:
1.
2.
Recognises alcohol
use disorder as
a major and undertreated public
health condition,
with significant
unmet need for
3.
4.
Advocates for a
Advocates for
Calls on
greater role for
increased addiction
AMA Federal
general practice in
medicine specialist
to undertake
the treatment of
capacity within hospitals
national
alcohol use disorder,
and health services,
advocacy and
including improved
and stronger integration
education on
awareness and
between addiction
these issues.
evidence-based
appropriate use of
treatment.
evidence-based
pharmacotherapies.
medicine services,
general practice and the
broader alcohol and other
drug treatment system.
Motion 10.1.2 Improving Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder was moved by Adj Prof Karen Price and
seconded by Dr Debra Blackmore at the meeting of the AMA Victoria Council on 7 July 2026.
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