How to Screen

The methods for detecting people who drink at a risky level include: 

• • • asking the person about their alcohol consumption (quantity–frequency estimates).

    • using systematic screening questionnaires.

    • physically examining the person for intoxication or signs of harmful use of alcohol.

    • observing the biological markers of excessive alcohol consumption. 

The approaches used to detect people with risky drinking patterns vary considerably across settings. In some settings routine screening of all patients is recommended, in others this may not be feasible. Under such circumstances, it is important to identify unhealthy alcohol use where they are relevant to the presenting problem.