[Early detection and early intervention--district physician's role]

Abstract

In patients with established alcohol dependence or advanced alcohol abuse, medical treatment yields fairly poor results; and although early intervention may be effective in impeding the progression of incipient abuse, the problem must be brought to light in good time and the approach to intervention must be effective and easy to apply in the primary care context. The district medical officer is ideally placed to identify and deal with early alcohol problems in patients.