Alcohol misuse: how to help patients in primary care
This article has been superseded by:
Assessment and management of alcohol misuse by primary care bpacNZ, November 2018
If you require a copy of the older article, please email: website@bpac.org.nz
Approximately one in five New Zealanders over the age of 15 years drinks in a way that is hazardous to their health. Counselling and advice from a general practitioner can help people to cut down. Clinicians in primary care should ask patients about their alcohol intake and assess for alcohol misuse. People who are misusing alcohol can access online and telephone support, community help groups or be referred to Community Alcohol and Drug Services. Pharmacological treatment with disulfiram may be initiated in primary care for patients with moderate to severe drinking problems who have been unable to reduce their intake with non-pharmacological approaches.