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Alcohol - problem drinking - Management
When and how should I offer an extended brief intervention?
- Offer an extended brief intervention to people where any of the following apply:
- They have not responded to brief, structured advice on alcohol.
- They are suspected as being moderately dependent on alcohol but refuse referral (see Scenario: Dependence on alcohol).
- They would benefit from an extended brief intervention for other reasons (for example they wish further input).
- Extended brief interventions should only be conducted by healthcare professionals who have received training in the relevant skills (for example a GP with a special interest in alcohol problems). Consider referral if extended brief interventions are not available in the primary care setting. Extended sessions:
- May take the form of motivational interviews or motivation-enhancement therapy and should last 20–30 minutes.
- Should help people address their alcohol use, and help them to reduce the amount they drink to low-risk levels or to consider abstinence.
- All people receiving an extended brief intervention should be followed up, and up to four sessions may be given. If this is ineffective, referral to a specialist alcohol treatment service should be considered.
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