Brief intervention can help alcohol abusers

Boston , MA —According to national surveys, nearly a third of Americans consume more than the FDA-recommended two drinks a day. In the last two decades, treatment professionals have realized that reaching these potential alcohol abusers is important. The August issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter examines brief interventions for this large segment of the population.

Known as problem drinkers, this group probably accounts for most of the problems caused by alcohol, including family problems, accidents, illness, and injuries. They rarely think of themselves as alcoholics or seek standard treatment for alcoholism. However, recent studies suggest that a little advice and encouragement can help problem drinkers cut down or eliminate their drinking. An estimated 75% of alcohol abusers recover without professional treatment or 12-step groups.