Management of alcoholism in the primary care setting.
AUTOR(ES)
Bradley, K. A.
RESUMO
Primary care physicians can play an important role in managing alcoholic patients. Identifying and treating alcoholism early, before it has interfered with patients' relationships and work, may increase the likelihood of prolonged recovery. Simple office interventions can help motivate patients to abstain and seek treatment. People who abuse alcohol and are unwilling to abstain can benefit from a recommendation to reduce their intake of alcohol. For alcohol-dependent patients who decide to stop drinking, primary care physicians often can manage withdrawal on an outpatient basis. Selecting an appropriate treatment program for each alcoholic patient is important, and referral to a specialist to assist in matching patients to treatments is often necessary. Primary care physicians also can help prevent relapse. Although disulfiram is of limited value, primary care physicians can support recovery by identifying coexistent psychosocial problems, helping patients to restructure their lives, and ensuring continuity of care.
ACESSO AO ARTIGO
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1003233Documentos Relacionados
- Screening and diagnosis of alcoholism in the primary care setting.
- The role of screening for Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulceration in the primary health care setting.
- Accuracy of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen detection methods in a low-prevalence population in a primary care setting.
- Newer Antidepressants in the Primary Care Setting
- Dealing with violence in the prehospital setting.