HOW
TO CONDUCT A BRIEF INTERVENTION |
FOR
AT-RISK DRINKING (no abuse or dependence) |
Step 3 Advise and Assist |
- State
your conclusion and recommendation clearly and relate them to medical
concerns or findings.
- Gauge readiness to change drinking habits.
|
| Is
patient ready to commit to change? | 
|
| | |
- Restate your concern.
- Encourage
reflection.
- Address barriers to change.
- Reaffirm
your willingness to help.
| | |
STEP 4 At
Followup: Continue Support |
| REMINDER:
Document alcohol use and review goals at each visit. |
| Was
patient able to meet and sustain drinking goal? |
|
| | |
- Acknowledge that change is difficult.
- Support
positive change and address barriers.
- Renegotiate goal
and plan; consider a trial of abstinence.
- Consider
engaging significant others.
- Reassess diagnosis if patient
is unable to either cut down or abstain.
| |
-
Reinforce and support continued adherence to recommendations.
-
Renegotiate drinking goals as indicated (e.g., if the medical
condition changes or if an abstaining
patient wishes to resume drinking).
- Encourage to return
if unable to maintain adherence.
- Rescreen at least annually.
| |
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National Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services