PHILADELPHIA - A new method for identifying problem drinkers can lead to earlier, more effective treatment and could double the number of people receiving help, researchers said yesterday.
The method, tested with success in Cambridge, Ontario, relies on indirect questioning to identify potential drinking problems and a modest level of "lifestyle counselling" to limit alcohol use.
The method begins with a series of four questions asked of patients in their doctors waiting rooms on whether they have had any injuries or fights in the previous five years. This is based on research showing about half of all injuries are alcohol related and other research showing both doctors and patients resist screening techniques in which every patient is asked directly about alcohol abuse.