Helping at-risk drinkers
Why are alcohol screenings and intervention important? Excessive alcohol use is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States.*
Excessive alcohol use has multiple health consequences, as well as accident-related ones. Most alcohol-related injuries do not involve people who are alcohol dependent (alcoholics). Only 1 in 6 people has ever talked with their doctor or other health professional about alcohol use.**
Clinical trials show that brief interventions can promote significant, lasting reductions in drinking levels for people who are at risk, but not alcohol dependent.*** Alcohol screening also can help to identify people who need treatment for alcohol dependence. To address these issues, we created the Alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Program.
Details and resources
The program is designed for primary care physicians and mental health professionals. It offers:
- A protocol on how to screen for at-risk drinking among your patients
- Reimbursement for screening and brief intervention
Alcohol screening program details and reimbursement information
*CDC Fact Sheets – Alcohol Use and Health. Page last updated December 26, 2013. Accessed January 30, 2014.
**Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alcohol Screening and Counseling
***www.aetna.com/healthcare-professionals/documents-forms/alcohol-program.pdf. Accessed January 30, 2014.
This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to direct treatment decisions or offer medical advice. Aetna does not provide health care services and cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. All patient care and related decisions are the sole responsibility of the treating provider.
