Question

A 50-year-old man drinks 6-8 full-strength beers nightly and presents for a "check-up". He has mildly elevated blood pressure and GGT. According to the RACGP National Guide and the National Framework for Alcohol Treatment, what is the most appropriate first step in management?

Accepted Answer

Provide screening with a validated tool and a brief intervention focusing on reducing consumption

Answer

Start disulfiram immediately

Answer

Refer directly for inpatient detoxification without discussion

Answer

Ignore the alcohol use as his liver tests are only mildly raised

Answer

Prescribe long-term benzodiazepines to help him reduce drinking

Practice question

A 50-year-old man drinks 6-8 full-strength beers nightly and presents for a "check-up". He has mildly elevated blood pressure and GGT. According to the RACGP National Guide and the National Framework for Alcohol Treatment, what is the most appropriate first step in management?