INTERVENTIONS FOR HARMFUL AND RISKY DRINKING IN GENERALE PRACTICE

INTRODUCTION and OBJECTIVE Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease that includes problems controlling drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, physical dependence. The assumption is that, currently, there is at least 30 million alcoholics in the world and every year around 3.3 million people die because of alcoholism. Identifying and managing alcoholism before it has interfered with patient’s work and family may increase the possibility of prolonged recovery. General practitioners (GP) are in an ideal position to detect, prevent and manage patients’ alcohol problems. The purpose of this article is to present how to manage alcohol problems in general practice. METHOD This article presents a framework for management of alcohol problems in general practice, based on guidelines for the treatment of alcohol problems. Using the case report, we show how to assess the degree of dependence, motivation to change and match the intervention to stage of change. In treatment of this patient we note empathic support, careful monitoring of response and frequent follow-ups. RESULTS and CONCLUSION The management of alcohol conditions requires a multidisciplinary approach to patient management. General practitioners (GP) are in ideal position to detect, prevent and manage patients’ alcohol problems. Offering counselling and advice on the reduction of alcohol consumption are the key roles in general practice. GPs have to be educated about skills related to alcohol screening and brief intervention in providing effective service to patients and their families experiencing alcohol related problems.