Heavy drinking is the third greatest risk to public health in developed countries [1], although most of this risk is avoidable [2]. In the United Kingdom, a quarter of the population is affected adversely by their drinking behaviour [3]. Thus, preventing alcohol-related harm is a key public health imperative. This conclusion was reached by the World Health Organization (WHO) some 30 years ago, and it led to the emergence of screening and brief intervention techniques to help reduce heavy drinking. A veritable industry of research has ensued, and there have
now been more than 60 controlled trials of brief alcohol interventions spanning two decades [4,5]. Hence, Nilsen’s review [6] is a timely stock-take of this substantial evidence base and directions for future research and practice. . . . . .
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