[Screening and brief intervention on alcohol consumption].

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health issues, including digestive, psychiatric, neurological, infectious diseases, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and injuries.
• Recent evidence refutes any health benefits of "moderate" alcohol consumption.
• Risky drinking poses significant health threats, necessitating a shift towards avoidance or low-risk consumption levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the health implications of alcohol consumption.
• To advocate for strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm.
• To emphasize the importance of screening and brief interventions for alcohol use.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific evidence on alcohol consumption and health.
• Identification of effective screening tools like the AUDIT-C.
• Analysis of brief intervention strategies, including cognitive-behavioural and motivational approaches.
• Examination of community-level strategies and policy measures.

Main Results:

• "Moderate" alcohol consumption is not associated with health benefits.
• Brief interventions (BI) are effective, with studies in Spain showing a reduction of 100g/week in alcohol consumption.
• Community strategies, including legislative measures to limit accessibility and health education, are crucial for reducing demand and supply.

Conclusions:

• Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol or consume it at low-risk levels.
• The AUDIT-C is recommended for screening, and cognitive-behavioural/motivational strategies form the basis of brief interventions.
• A comprehensive approach combining individual interventions with community policies is essential for mitigating alcohol-related morbidity and promoting public health.