Problem drinkers: can we identify and help them?

Most people who have a drinking problem are not alcoholics. Even though problem drinkers tend to drink less than alcoholics and to have a shorter history of heavy drinking they are still at increased risk of health problems. To significantly reduce the burden of alcohol-related problems on society, priority should be given to reducing the number of problem drinkers. Because physicians are exposed to a large adult population, and because they have credibility in diagnosing problems, they have an important role to play in encouraging moderation in the use of alcohol. Although the potential for physicians to make a difference is commonly viewed with scepticism, studies have demonstrated that physician interventions can be effective. By working in partnership with other professionals and making use of the community and other resources that are now available, physicians can optimize the effectiveness of their interventions with problem drinkers.