Identifying and helping alcohol abusers attending general health care services

Studies conducted in Canada and elsewhere show a high prevalence of alcohol-related problems among general practice patients, users of accident and emergency services, and patients in some community-based and hospital-based outpatient and residential settings. However, many users of general health care services with alcohol problems are not recognized as such. Also, even when identified, alcohol abusers are not always treated for alcohol abuse per se. Interest in prevention and in early identification of alcohol problems is also low among many health care professionals. Alcohol problems can be prevented and treated. Health care professionals should thus try to identify clients with alcohol-related problems and those at risk. These clients should then be provided with appropriate information and advice and, if necessary, referred to a specialized addiction service. The routine use of simple, structured questions concerning drinking will facilitate the identification process.