Psychotherapeutic considerations in pharmacological trials.

Recent studies have demonstrated the favorable influence of psychotherapy on trials of pharmacological agents for the treatment of patients with alcohol abuse or dependence. When appropriate psychosocial therapies are used, the effects of pharmacotherapy can be more thoroughly evaluated because the use of psychosocial therapy can increase patient retention, enhance medication compliance, and foster the acquisition of new skills that reinforce the effects of the medication. Therefore, psychosocial therapy should be included in studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological agents for the treatment of alcohol abuse or dependence.