Brief Interventions for Alcohol Problems
Intervention Level | Criteria for Use | Brief Intervention Technique |
|---|---|---|
1 | If screening results determine that intervention is necessary but time is limited | Simply stating concern that the patient’s drinking exceeds recommended limits and could lead to alcohol-related problems; recommending that the patient minimize or stop drinking |
2 | If referral to a specialist is not necessary; if abstinence is not necessarily the goal | Project Limited, structured physician/nurse intervention: 2 brief face-to-face sessions scheduled 1 month apart, with a follow-up telephone call 2 weeks after each session |
3 | If the patient has symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependence; if abstinence is the primary goal | Motivational enhancement; referral to a specialist |