THE NEED FOR ALCOHOL INTERVENTION IN PRIMARY CARE

Part 1: Heavy/Problem drinking is common in primary care and frequently unrecognized

Excessive drinking is more common in primary care than in the general population.

At least 15% of primary care patients are heavy or problem drinkers Gerbert et al., 1999.

Elderly patients: at least 10% of those >60 drink excessively Callahan, 1995.

A study from Columbia University (CASA, 2000) highlighted the underrecognition of heavy/problem drinking.