ALCOHOLISM - TAKING A PREVENTIVE, PUBLIC-HEALTH APPROACH

Alcoholism is a common chronic, often progressive disorder that has ne gative effects on a patient's health and severe consequences for socie ty as well. A positive, public health approach that integrates medical , psychological, and social therapies can lead to improved outcomes fo r patients who abuse alcohol. Physicians can play an important role by educating patients to prevent alcohol abuse from starting, being aler t to the risk factors, recognizing the signs of alcoholism (especially during its early stages), and initiating interventions designed to ha lt progression of this disease. Doctors should maintain a therapeutic stance with patients who have continued to abuse alcohol, even after f requent relapses. Consultation with alcoholism experts may be helpful when treatment is difficult or there is the possibility of a dual diag nosis.