To drink or not to drink? “moderate” alcohol consumption in a clinical context

Abstract

This chapter will focus on the narrower clinical context around counseling patients who don't drink at all, or who drink at levels below thresholds used to delineate risky drinking. The topic of “moderate” drinking also has relevance for patients drinking risky amounts who might consider cutting back on their alcohol consumption. In this regard, there are two issues to address: The first is whether a non-drinker should consider beginning to drink for possible health benefits, and the second is what constitutes low-risk drinking for those who already consume alcohol. This approach may also save time and effort for those clinicians who might otherwise try to weigh complex, individualized decisions with their patients when that time might be better invested on other important aspects of patient care.