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Hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption in primary care
M C Reid1, D A Fiellin, P G O'Connor
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven 06516, USA.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|August 17, 1999
Summary
Primary care can effectively screen for and treat hazardous and harmful drinking. Early detection using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and brief interventions improve patient health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Hazardous and harmful drinking are significant health concerns, especially in primary care.
- These conditions pose risks for adverse health events, including stroke and breast cancer.
- Current screening tools may not adequately identify these specific drinking patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and health effects of hazardous and harmful drinking.
- To discuss effective detection and treatment methods in primary care.
- To recommend routine screening and intervention for at-risk patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data and health-related effects of alcohol consumption.
- Evaluation of screening instruments for hazardous and harmful drinking.
- Analysis of randomized trials on brief interventions in primary care settings.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of hazardous drinking ranges from 4% to 29%; harmful drinking from <1% to 10%.
- Hazardous or harmful drinking is linked to increased risks of hemorrhagic stroke and breast cancer.
- The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is the sole instrument designed for this specific screening.
Conclusions:
- Brief interventions delivered in primary care are effective for treating hazardous and harmful drinking.
- Routine screening and intervention are recommended due to proven efficacy.
- Primary care settings are suitable for managing these alcohol-related disorders.