This program provides an overview of the NHMRC Australian Alcohol Guidelines, as well as:

• Gives viewers information on current patterns of alcohol consumption across different gender, age and regional populations in Australia, and also the prevalence of alcohol problems.
• Provides an update on research findings on the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption.
• Details screening and assessment techniques for people with drinking problems, or considered at risk of developing drinking problems.
• Highlights the importance of opportunistic brief interventions, particularly in general practice.
• Outlines the latest management and treatment strategies for alcohol dependent drinkers, as based on the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre’s 2003 Guidelines for the Treatment of Alcohol Problems including:

— Alcohol withdrawal management
— Brief and psychological interventions
— Relapse prevention
— Barriers to treatment
— Extended care

• Considers the specific needs of people with alcohol and comorbid mental health problems.

The program includes two filmed case studies with Dr John Vaughn, General Practitioner (Central Coast, NSW).

This program is now available for purchase on DVD.

— This program is introduced by the Hon Trish Worth, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing.
— Chair: Dr Norman Swan, Presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National.
— Prof Richard Mattick, Director, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
— Associate Professor Moira Sim, General Practitioner and Addiction Medicine Specialist, WA Drug and Alcohol Office & Edith Cowan University.
— Dr Rod MacQueen, Drug and Alcohol Physician and former rural GP, Midwest Area Health Service, Clinical Director, Drug and Alcohol Service, Orange NSW.
— Dr Alex Wodak, Director, Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney.
— Click here for more details about the speakers.

95 minutes.

This program was first broadcast on Tuesday 16 March 2004 and repeated on Friday 19 March 2004.

Click here to evaluate this program and earn CPD points (RACGP), CME points (ACRRM), CPE points (PSA) and CNE points (RCNA).

Click here for a list of resources for the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems.

Drug Strategy Branch, Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing

Click here for a list of websites dealing with the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems.

- 714 "Ice" - Out in the Cold
- 708 Drinking for Two?
- 702 Alcohol Treatment Guidelines for Indigenous Australians
- 614 Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- 612 The Can Do Initiative: Managing Mental Health and Substance Use in General Practice