Alcohol use and management

Abstract

Unhealthy alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality that can be addressed in the primary-care setting. All individuals seeking medical care should be screened for unhealthy alcohol use and provided feedback based on their level of use. Brief interventions for those who are drinking excessively can lead to reductions in drinking levels, and for those who meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder, brief interventions can assist in the referral to specialty treatment. Treatment recommendations should be provided in a clear and nonjudgmental manner, and options for reducing alcohol use or seeking additional treatment should be provided. Assessing willingness to change and working collaboratively can facilitate engagement and guide treatment recommendations. The use of pharmacological treatment can assist in reducing unhealthy alcohol use.