Physicians Encouraged to Screen Patients for Signs of Alcohol
Abuse
The sixth annual National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) will be held
on April 8. "Many primary care physicians see patients who have unidentified
alcohol problems. They may be alcoholic, or they may be misusing or
abusing alcohol," said Luis Sanchez, M.D., director of Physician Health
Services, which provides consultation and support to physicians,
residents, and medical students facing health concerns related to
alcoholism, substance abuse, physical illness, or behavioral or mental
health issues.
"Physicians should ask every new patient and existing patients on a
regular basis about their use of alcohol and other substances," said Dr.
Sanchez. "There are brief screening tests for PCPs that have proven to
be very effective in helping patients understand where they stand with
alcohol, which is the first step in preventing escalation of the problem
and to getting treatment."
At the NASD 2003, 20.6 percent of patients screened in primary care
settings screened positive for problem drinking. Physicians are also
encouraged to incorporate screening forms and materials into their
everyday practice to increase early intervention and recognition of
at-risk drinking in their patients. Heavy drinking increases the risk
for high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, accidents,
violence, suicides, birth defects and overall mortality.
The NASD is a free program that offers clinicians the chance to
educate the public about alcohol's impact on health. This year, the NASD
is offering five continuing education credits for participating
physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers who conduct a
screening event and complete a brief self-test based on the NASD
educational materials.
The theme of this year's NASD program is "Alcohol and Your Health:
Where Do You Draw the Line?" The NASD 2004 primary care kit includes the
one-page NASD screening form, a validated screening tool that addresses
the full range of alcohol use disorders, from at-risk drinking to
dependence; a video; and educational materials for clinicians, including
the newly released NIAAA/NIH guide Helping Patients with Alcohol
Problems: A Health Practitioner's Guide.
NASD is a program of the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health, with
funding provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Physicians can register for this program at www.NationalAlcoholScreeningDay.org
or by calling (800) 253-7658.
- Robyn Alie
| alcohol awareness,national alcohol screening day,nasd,substance abuse |
More Stories
New Tool Helps Physicians Discuss Child Sexual Abuse Issues With Parents
MMS Brings "Soapy" to Schools
Website of the Month: Child Abuse and Neglect Information
|
Back Issues 
