[Talking about alcohol in general practice]

Talking about alcohol in general practice Talking about alcohol drinking remains a real challenge for the internist. The high level of morbidity and mortality related to alcohol consumption is presently well-known but it is still difficult for the internist of talking alcohol with his patients. Because of a lack of medical education or often afraid of patients reactions, the internist could be driven to avoid the topic. And rarely the patient wants to talk about it by his own. Some tools are useful and are key for opening the conversation. Skinner pyramid, standard drinks, "J" curve, AUDIT or FACE questionnaires are easily available. They give to the practitioner opportunities to talk about alcohol before the situation has become really serious and discouraging.