Citation

Spithoff S, Kahan M. Can. Fam. Physician 2015; 61(6): 515-521.

Affiliation

Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of the Substance Use Service at Women's College Hospital.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, College of Family Physicians of Canada)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

26071155

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To provide primary care physicians with evidence-based information and advice on the management of at-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). SOURCES OF INFORMATION: We conducted a nonsystematic literature review using search terms that included primary care; screening, interventions, management, and treatment; and at-risk drinking, alcohol use disorders, alcohol dependence, and alcohol abuse; as well as specific medical and counseling interventions of relevance to primary care. MAIN MESSAGE: For their patients with at-risk drinking and AUD, physicians should counsel and, when indicated (ie, in patients with moderate or severe AUD), prescribe and connect. Counsel: Offer all patients with at-risk drinking a brief counseling session and follow-up. Offer all patients with AUD counseling sessions and ongoing (frequent and regular) follow-up. Prescribe: Offer medications (disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate) to all patients with moderate or severe AUD. Connect: Encourage patients with AUD to attend counseling, day or residential treatment programs, and support groups. If indicated, refer patients to an addiction medicine physician, concurrent mental health and addiction services, or specialized trauma therapy.

CONCLUSION: Family physicians can effectively manage patients with at-risk drinking and AUD.

Language: en