Early detection and intervention for the hidden alcoholic: assessment guideline for the clinical nurse specialist

Among hospitalized patients, it is estimated that between 20% and 35% have significant alcohol problems that remain largely undetected. Alcohol abuse is a risk factor for a variety of disorders, including diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal problems, hypertension, liver disease, and stroke. In an era of health care cost containment, early detection, intervention, and referral of alcohol-abusing or -dependent patients by the CNS may significantly impact the cost effectiveness of hospital care. In this article, a guideline is described that can be used by the CNS relative to the assessment, intervention, and referral of alcohol-abusing or -dependent patients in the general hospital setting.