Identification and intervention for alcohol abuse.

Early diagnosis of alcohol abuse with brief intervention, in appropriate clinical settings, offers great promise for the reduction of the prevalence of alcohol related morbidity and mortality. Secondary prevention of alcohol abuse offers promise for a reduction in alcohol related mortality and morbidity that cannot be readily achieved in an acceptable manner with primary preventive or conventional rehabilitative measures. A concerted medical effort, using simple diagnostic methodology to find cases and offer advice about drinking, will undoubtedly result in a positive impact on alcohol problems.