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About the Program:
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 3 out of 10 American adults drink at levels that increase their “risk for physical, mental health, and social problems.” Of these heavy drinkers, about 1 in 4 currently has alcohol abuse or dependence. All heavy drinkers have a greater risk of hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, sleep disorders, major depression, hemorrhagic stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, and several cancers.
Unfortunately, according to the NIAAA, heavy drinking often goes undetected. In a recent study of primary care practices, for example, patients with alcohol dependence received the recommended quality of care, including assessment and referral to treatment, only about 10% of the time. Physicians can and should play a pivotal role in assisting patients with reducing their alcohol consumption. Clinical trials have demonstrated that brief interventions can promote significant, lasting reductions in drinking levels in at-risk drinkers who are not alcohol dependent. Some drinkers who are dependent will accept referral to addiction treatment programs. Even for patients who do not accept a referral, repeated alcohol-focused visits with a physician can lead to significant improvement.
In short, physicians are in a prime position to make a difference.
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