Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Diagnosis and management of alcohol use disorders
 BMJ 2008;336:496-501

Alcohol use disorders account for 4% of the global burden of disease and cause 1.8 million deaths (3.2% of total) each year. The overall economic cost to society is huge—around £20bn ({euro}26.7bn; $39bn) each year in the United Kingdom—mostly as a result of lost productivity and alcohol related crime.

Healthcare professionals have a vital role to play in implementing secondary prevention, and in identifying those who need specialist treatment.

Well validated screening tools have recently become available, and the effectiveness of early brief interventions and more intensive treatments, together with the cost effectiveness of intensive treatments provide a strong impetus for improving the identification and management of disorders of alcohol misuse.

Read Full Abstract


Request Reprint E-Mail: andrew.parker@iop.kcl.ac.uk
__________________________________________________________________
at