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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)

Published in:

01-06-2012 | Review Article

Alcohol screening and brief intervention among drug users in primary care: a discussion paper

Authors: C. A. Field, J. Klimas, J. Barry, G. Bury, E. Keenan, S. Lyons, B. P. Smyth, W. Cullen

Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Background

Problem alcohol use is common among problem drug users (PDU) and associated with adverse health outcomes. Primary care has an important role in the overall stepped approach to alcohol treatment, especially screening and brief intervention (SBI).

Aim

To discuss three themes that emerged from an exploration of the literature on SBI for problem alcohol use in drug users attending primary care.

Methods

Material for this discussion paper was gathered from three biomedical databases (PubMed, PsycINFO and Cochrane library), conference proceedings and online resources of professional organisations or national health agencies.

Results

Themes discussed in this paper are: (a) the potential of primary care for delivery of alcohol SBIs to PDUs, (b) screening methods and (c) application of brief interventions to PDUs.

Conclusions

Although SBI improves health outcomes associated with problem alcohol use in the general population, further research is needed among high-risk patient groups, especially PDUs.

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Title: Alcohol screening and brief intervention among drug users in primary care: a discussion paper
Authors: C. A. Field
J. Klimas
J. Barry
G. Bury
E. Keenan
S. Lyons
B. P. Smyth
W. Cullen
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0021-1265
Electronic ISSN: 1863-4362
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-011-0748-7

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