Interventions
Brief interventions are increasingly recommended in the management of individuals with alcohol-related problems. These interventions are low-cost and have been proven effective. Research has shown that many patients cut down on their drinking simply because they were asked about their alcohol use. Effective screening for problematic drinking can be completed in as little as five minutes.
Alcohol Use in Our Community
In Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, 21% of males and 13% of females age 12+ reported binge drinking (five or more or four or more drinks on one occasion) at least once a month in the past year. This is a concern, considering excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risks of chronic disease, certain cancers, injury, violence, or death. Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines indicate that:
- men should not exceed 3 alcoholic drinks/day and 15 drinks/week.
- women should not exceed two standard alcoholic drinks/day and 10 drinks/week.
Resources for Health Care Professionals
- Alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral website provides access to evidence-informed guidance and resources to assist you in helping your patients better manage their alcohol consumption including an easy, three-step alcohol screening, brief intervention and referral guide.
- Public Health Agency of Canada website features videos about supporting behaviour change.
- “Guidelines for Health Care Providers to Promote Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Among Patients” has been developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. This document can be downloaded and printed.
Resources for Patients
The following patient resources may be provided to your patient to support your brief intervention.
- Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines Brochure is available to download and print.
- Saying When is a mobile app developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health that allows people to track their alcohol consumption and set goals using the Lower-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.
