A 55-year-old man with long-standing harmful alcohol use (drinking 10 standard drinks daily) presents seeking help to cut down. There is no history o...

Question

A 55-year-old man with long-standing harmful alcohol use (drinking >10 standard drinks daily) presents seeking help to cut down. There is no history of previous complicated withdrawal. What is an evidence-based brief intervention that can be delivered in general practice?

Accepted Answer

Provide brief motivational interviewing to explore ambivalence and set goals to reduce or cease drinking

Answer

Reassure him that his drinking is normal for his age

Answer

Prescribe long-term benzodiazepines without further support

Answer

Advise abrupt cessation without any monitoring

Answer

Recommend switching from spirits to wine as a harm-minimisation strategy only

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Harmful alcohol use

A 55-year-old man with long-standing harmful alcohol use (drinking >10 standard drinks daily) presents seeking help to cut down. There is no history of previous complicated withdrawal. What is an evidence-based brief intervention that can be delivered in general practice?