HOW TO SCREEN YOUR PATIENTS EFFICIENTLY

Recognition of heavy/problem drinking is easy

Three simple questions can be an effective screen:
1. How much alcohol do you drink on the average?
2. Do you ever feel you are drinking too much?
3. Are you having any problems with alcohol?

When asked in a non-confrontational way, most patients (80%) will be candid (Gerbert, 1999).

Probably more efficient yet is to imbed alcohol questions into a larger waiting room questionnaire. The above questions can be used, the level of candor may be slightly better.