The brief alcohol intervention

摘要

Excessive alcohol use is common, and associated with many adverse social, economic, and mental and physical health consequences. But the next time you hear someone lecturing about the perils of the demon drink, stop them right there. Let them know that berating people with hard-hitting facts is no use. Point them in the direction of research on effective interventions to reduce harmful drinking, in which psychology plays a major role. This article considers one of the primary methods: to screen for harmful drinking, and then deliver specific brief interventions that are recognised as the primary effective strategy for reducing harmful drinking. The manner in which modern technology is impacting the delivery of these interventions is also discussed.