IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING PROBLEM DRINKERS

Problem drinking is far more common than severe alcohol dependence and is associated with considerable morbidity and health tare tests. Wher eas patients with alcohol dependence respond best to intensive treatme nt, one or more brief sessions of physician advice and counseling redu ces alcohol consumption among problem drinkers. The two most useful to ols to identify problem drinkers are the CAGE and the drinking problem question.