WHEN NOT TO EXPECT MUCH FROM A BRIEF INTERVENTION

Patients who are alcohol dependent may not respond as well to a brief intervention, but even in them an empathetic, non-confrontational expression of concern is likely to have a positive influence on

• The patient's readiness to change
• Efforts at self-control
• Willingness to accept specialty referral
• Daily consumption
  (Miller, 2000)

A brief intervention may not be indicated If you've recently done one, the patient is in acute distress, or is already receiving alcohol treatment.