Changes in unhealthy alcohol use over time can be measured by a simple questionnaire at annual primary care visits. A study published in Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research found that in a primary care population that is regularly screened for alcohol use, decreased alcohol use scores are associated with reduced utilization of urgent care, emergency department, or inpatient treatments for mental health concerns. The findings may encourage clinicians to advise patients of the benefits of reducing their drinking and incentivize health care systems to invest in treatments for unhealthy alcohol use.
This article was originally published on MedicalXpress.com
