HOW TO DO AN EFFECTIVE BRIEF INTERVENTION EFFICIENTLY

The following checklist can be used to guide the intervention.

I. EVALUATE CONSUMPTION:

Excessive consumption: > 2/d; > 3/d.
1+ CAGE items within the past year.

II. PROBLEM ASSESSMENT: (Click here to see a printable brochure(pdf) you can use as a useful intervention aid and give to the patient.)

Any drinking-related problems (medical, social, family, work, legal, etc.)?
Does patient think he or she is drinking too much?

III. INTERVENTION: Review and discuss 3 steps (Brochure also helpful here)

1. Review reasons for cutting down or stopping
2. Jointly agree on a drinking goal
NIH Recommended maximums: = 1 drink/day        = 2 drinks/day
3. Recommend a drinking diary.