How are alcohol related problems prevented? Brief intervention approach in the treatment of alcohol use disorders

Excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol related problems are significant public health problems worldwide. Many factors contribute to the development alcohol related problems. Lack of knowledge about low-risk consumption levels and risks of excessive alcohol use is the most important factor. Men who are drinking more than four standard drinks per day and 14 standard drinks per week, women and men older than age 65 who are drinking more than three drinks a day and seven standard drinks per week have an increased risk for alcohol related problems. Screening and early brief intervention for alcohol consumption among patients in primary health care provides an opportunity to educate them about low-risk consumption levels and risks of excessive alcohol use. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has been established as a screening scale to identify risky and harmful alcohol use. "Brief intervention" is a time-limited and patient centered counseling method focuses to change the patient's behavior and increase the treatment compliance. It includes four stages; 1. Ask alcohol use, 2. Assess alcohol use disorders, 3. Advice and support, 4. Arrange follow-up. Brief intervention has been shown as an effective secondary prevention method in the studies and meta-analysis. Alcohol use problems as a major public health problem should be intervened in the primary health care as a secondary prevention. Early identification and intervention will prevent the growth of the problem. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2010; 11:51-59