Early detection and intervention for hazardous ethanol use

Alcohol use is prevalent throughout our culture and produces costly, staggering results. Excessive alcohol consumption has extensive implications for the user's health, economic well-being, psychological equilibrium, and family and social relationships. The resulting consequences add to the spiraling health care costs encountered in the United States. Recognition of the pervasiveness of this problem is key to primary prevention. This article seeks to encourage clinicians to identify high risk alcohol users. Health care providers have potentially a great impact on clients and are in a position not only to identify alcohol abusers early in the course of their alcohol use, but also to mobilize interventions and make referrals. Parameters for recognizing progression of use and evaluating the impact of regular consumption are discussed and a protocol for rapid, accurate assessment are presented. Low cost interventions will be suggested as well as referral guidelines.