The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) today posted a draft recommendation statement on screening and behavioral counseling to reduce alcohol misuse. The Task Force is providing an opportunity for public comment on this draft recommendation until October 22. All public comments will be considered as the Task Force develops its final recommendation.
The draft recommendation applies specifically to screening and behavioral counseling interventions to reduce alcohol misuse in the primary care setting. It does not apply to people with signs or symptoms of alcohol misuse or who already are seeking evaluation or treatment for alcohol use.
The draft recommendation has two parts:
The Task Force recommended that clinicians screen all adults 18 and older and pregnant women for alcohol misuse and provide individuals engaged in risky or hazardous drinking with brief behavioral counseling interventions to reduce alcohol misuse.
The Task Force also determined that there currently is not enough evidence to make a recommendation about whether it is effective to screen and provide behavioral counseling interventions to reduce alcohol misuse for adolescents aged 12 to 17.
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