Alcohol misuse and dependence. Assessment and management.

BACKGROUND

General practitioners play a vital role in the prevention of alcohol related morbidity and mortality. The earlier an alcohol problem is diagnosed, the better the treatment outcome.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to provide GPs with practical guidelines on the assessment and management of patients with hazardous alcohol use and dependence.

DISCUSSION: There is good evidence that early and brief intervention by a GP is most effective in reducing alcohol consumption in patients with hazardous or harmful drinking. In patients with alcohol dependence, pharmacotherapies such as naltrexone and acamprosate, in conjunction with a comprehensive rehabilitation program, are beneficial in a proportion of patients.