HOW TO CONDUCT A BRIEF INTERVENTION

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State your conclusion and recommendation clearly and relate them to medical concerns or findings.
Negotiate a drinking goal.
Consider evaluation by an addiction specialist.
Consider recommending a mutual help group.
For patients who have dependence, consider
- the need for medically managed withdrawal (detoxification) and treat accordingly.
- prescribing a medication for alcohol dependence for patients who endorse abstinence as a goal.
Arrange followup appointments.

REMINDER: Document alcohol use and review goals at each visit.

Was the patient able to meet and sustain drinking goal?

Acknowledge that change is difficult.
Support efforts to cut down or abstain.
Relate drinking to ongoing problems as appropriate.
Consider (if not yet done):
- consulting with an addiction specialist.
- recommending a mutual help group.
- engaging significant others.
- prescribing a medication for alcohol dependent patients who endorse abstinence as a goal.
Address coexisting disorders as needed.

Reinforce and support continued adherence.
Coordinate care with specialists as appropriate.
Maintain medications for alcohol dependence for at least 3 months and as clinically indicated thereafter.
Treat coexisting nicotine dependence.
Address coexisting disorders as needed.

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