A 20-year-old university student presents with low mood, poor concentration and heavy alcohol use. He drinks 8-10 standard drinks most nights and has ...

Question

A 20-year-old university student presents with low mood, poor concentration and heavy alcohol use. He drinks 8-10 standard drinks most nights and has tremor on waking. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange emergency inpatient alcohol withdrawal management

Answer

Start an SSRI antidepressant immediately

Answer

Advise him to cut down drinking gradually at home

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines for sleep without further assessment

Answer

Ignore alcohol use and focus on psychological therapy only

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Alcohol dependence

A 20-year-old university student presents with low mood, poor concentration and heavy alcohol use. He drinks 8-10 standard drinks most nights and has tremor on waking. What is the most appropriate initial management step?