[Assessment and diagnosis of alcohol problems in general practice]

Problem drinkers and alcoholics are not easily identified in primary health care settings or among hospitalised patients. An early detection can be the basis of a better therapeutic approach for these patients. Clinical interviewing is an important phase during the detection process. Every patient should be asked about alcohol consumption. Standardised questionnaires, clinical examination and laboratory tests are also useful for screening and contribute to diagnosis. The screening must be organised in a progressive and opportunistic way.