Screening and brief interventions for hazardous and harmful alcohol use
Question 1: What is the effectiveness of screening and brief interventions for hazardous and harmful alcohol use in non-specialist settings?
- Population: health care settings (primary care, hospital emergency department, outpatients) not specialized in the treatment of alcohol use disorders
- Interventions: brief interventions (up to 30 minutes) incorporating screening
- Comparison: no intervention, usual care, leaflets
- Outcomes:
- alcohol consumption risk patterns
- alcohol related harm (injuries)
- alcohol consumption
- mortality.
Recommendation(s)
Screening and brief interventions for hazardous and harmful alcohol use are recommended in non-specialist health care settings, except in areas of low prevalence. The brief intervention is still relevant in low prevalence areas/population groups.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Screening for hazardous and harmful alcohol use should be conducted, using a validated instrument that can be easily incorporated into routine clinical practice (e.g. AUDIT-3, AUDIT-C, ASSIST). In settings in which screening is not feasible or affordable, practitioners should explore alcohol consumption in their patients when relevant.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Patients with a hazardous and harmful alcohol use should receive a brief intervention. The brief intervention should comprise a single session of 5-30 minutes duration, incorporating individualised feedback and advice on reducing or ceasing alcohol consumption, and the offer of follow-up.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Patients who on screening are identified as having dependence should be managed according to the recommendations in the section on alcohol dependence.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG