[Brief intervention: specific counseling of patients with problem alcohol consumption]

This article describes brief interventions for individuals with levels of alcohol consumption associated with increased morbidity and mortality but without severe dependence on alcohol. Brief interventions are described and the results of major studies evaluating their efficacy are reported. Data from the medical literature offer convincing evidence on the efficacy of these interventions to reduce alcohol consumption. Consecutive to a reduction of the level of alcohol consumption, further research also demonstrated a beneficial effect of brief interventions in terms of absenteeism at work, days hospitalized, and mortality. Evidence of the efficacy of brief interventions for "high-risk drinkers" justify their implementation in medical practice. In Switzerland, the national programme on handling alcohol "handle with care?" will offer workshops to primary care physicians about the practice of brief interventions.