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Alcohol - problem drinking - Management
What drinking targets should I aim for in people who are dependent on alcohol?
- Following successful alcohol withdrawal, the decision to aim for abstinence or drinking in moderation should be negotiated with the person (usually in secondary care), with defined drinking targets when appropriate (usually in line with national recommendations, see Safer drinking limits). The most suitable course of action will depend on the individual circumstances.
- Abstinence should be aimed for if there is alcohol-related organ damage, severe dependence, significant psychiatric illness, or other relevant comorbidities.
- Moderation should be considered if the person shows low levels of dependence with no evidence of alcohol-related organ damage.
- In all people with alcohol dependence, a period of abstinence is advised before moderation is attempted.
- Accepting moderation as a goal (if abstinence is not possible) is generally more suitable for people with low levels of dependence than high levels of dependence.
- If moderation is aimed for but not achieved, abstinence should be considered. Conversely, if abstinence is not possible, reduced drinking is preferable to no change.
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