Reducing alcohol misuse in trauma and other surgical patients position statement

Alcohol misuse is a major cause of injury and trauma death which is high on public and healthcare agendas. Young UK drinkers are drinking more than ever before. Intervening early in the lives of drinkers, before they develop alcohol dependence, is an important priority. Cost effective interventions, particularly short cognitive behavioural approaches (“brief interventions”) which reduce alcohol misuse and repeat trauma have been developed but are not yet widely delivered. Surgeons have unique opportunities to institute these interventions by combining them with standard trauma and other surgical care. The aftermath of injury and surgery, when patients attend outpatient clinics, represents a “teachable moment” which can be capitalised on to screen for alcohol misuse and motivate patients to reduce their drinking