Identifying and treating patients with alcohol-related problems

PROBLEM DRINKING IS A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE, but often patients whose alcoho l consumption places them at risk are not diagnosed by physicians. Case fin ding is an essential component of "best practice." In many cases if given t he appropriate advice, counselling and behavioural interventions, problem d rinkers can be helped to reduce their use of alcohol and improve functionin g in other areas of their lives. Some patients may benefit from more compre hensive therapy including the prescription of disulfiram, calcium carbimide or naltrexone. For those with serious problems with alcohol, referral to s pecialized addiction treatment programs and other community resource centre s may also be appropriate.