Alcohol is one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world, and drinking it is considered a social norm in the UK. The pandemic has increased the potential for hazardous drinking, as well as the risk of relapse from abstinence in those with dependence. This article will discuss the risks associated with drinking alcohol, how to assess alcohol consumption and what interventions can be provided for motivated patients who want to cut their alcohol intake.
BagnardiVRotaMBotteriE, et al.(2015) Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: A comprehensive dose–response meta-analysis. British Journal of Cancer112(3): 580–593. DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.579.
4.
BrownKFRumgayHDunlopC, et al.(2018) The fraction of cancer attributable to modifiable risk factors in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom in 2015. British Journal of Cancer118(8): 1130–1141. DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0029-6.
5.
ChengHYMcGuinnessLAElbersRG, et al.(2020) Treatment interventions to maintain abstinence from alcohol in primary care: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. British Medical Journal371: m3934DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3934.
Kaner E (2013) Effectiveness of screening and brief alcohol intervention in primary care (SIPS trial). British Medical Journal 346: e8501 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.e8501.
13.
Morrison LeachJ (2017) Should GPs prescribe vitamin B compound strong tablets to alcoholics?British Journal of General Practice67(656): 134–135. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp17X689809.
PlattLMelendez-TorresGJO'DonnellA, et al.(2016) How effective are brief interventions in reducing alcohol consumption: Do the setting, practitioner group and content matter? Findings from a systematic review and metaregression analysis. BMJ Open6: e011473DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011473.
StockwellTSitharthanTMcGrathD, et al.(1994) The measurement of alcohol dependence and impaired control in community samples. Addiction89(2): 167–174. DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb00875.x.
23.
UsherKBhullarNDurkinJ, et al.(2020) Family violence and COVID-19: Increased vulnerability and reduced options for support. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing29(4): 549–552. DOI: 10.1111/inm.12735.
24.
Welch AE, Caramanica K, Maslow CB, et al. (2014) Frequent binge drinking five to six years after exposure to 9/11: Findings from the World Trade Center Health Registry. F140:1-7. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.04.013.