[Early recognition and therapy of heavy use of alcohol].

Heavy use of alcohol can be divided into three groups: at-risk drinking, problem drinking and alcohol dependence. Advisory recommendations for limits of excessive use of alcohol are available. In patient care, the limits stated for heavy alcohol intake constitute only one aspect affecting clinical consideration. Interview and the AUDIT questionnaire (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) are reliable means of elucidating the patient's alcohol usage. Persons at an early stage of heavy alcohol drinking should be subjected to mini-intervention during the medical consultation.