Phase-sensitive individualized pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder

Müller CP, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Ebner-Priemer UW, Schwarz E, Ersche KD, Kiefer F, Spanagel R (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Neuropharmacology Elsevier

Book Volume: 283

Article Number: 110745

DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110745

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that continually causes significant suffering. Although pharmacotherapies are available, they have low efficacy and show little compliance. Thus, new approaches for AUD treatment are still needed. The core symptoms of AUD include drug seeking, consumption, and withdrawal, which occur in distinct shifted time phases. Recent neurobiological research has revealed that these phases have rather unique underlying neurobiological processes and neuropharmacology. We propose a new treatment strategy based on available pharmacotherapies with small effects on individual AUD phases and independent advancements in diagnosis tool technology. The strategy combines a pharmacological toolbox with an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) tool. An artificial intelligence-coupled EMA device is provided to patients and can act as a near real-time diagnostic monitor, a phase-sensitive individualized treatment guide, and a metric for therapeutic success. The EMA tool will allow highly individual AUD phases to be targeted with tailored neuropharmacology in near real time. This approach may revolutionize the pharmacotherapies used for mental disorders.

Authors with CRIS profile

Peter Christian Müller Professur für Suchtmedizin Johannes Kornhuber Lehrstuhl für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Mannheim / University Medical Centre Mannheim (Universitätsmedizin Mannheim) DE Germany (DE) Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Müller, C.P., Lenz, B., Kornhuber, J., Ebner-Priemer, U.W., Schwarz, E., Ersche, K.D.,... Spanagel, R. (2026). Phase-sensitive individualized pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder. Neuropharmacology, 283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110745

MLA:

Müller, Christian P., et al. "Phase-sensitive individualized pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder." Neuropharmacology 283 (2026).

BibTeX: Download