What criteria should I use to determine when to refer a patient with alcohol use disorder to specialist addiction services?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Consider referring a patient with alcohol use disorder to specialist addiction services if they show signs of moderate or severe alcohol dependence .

Referral should also be considered if the patient has failed to benefit from structured brief advice and an extended brief intervention and wishes to receive further help .

Additionally, patients exhibiting severe alcohol-related impairment or having a related co-morbid condition, such as liver disease or alcohol-related mental health problems, should be referred .

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