Goal Setting

Goal setting is a key component of brief interventions. People who acknowledge they may be drinking too much may be willing to set a goal for making a change in their alcohol use. It is important to ensure these goals are specific, realistic and achievable, and help them come up with a plan for how they can make this change. Some people may not perceive change as necessary; providing these patients with advice and information about the potential consequences of continued use may help them recognise that their consumption of alcohol is excessive. If they are not receptive to making a change in their alcohol use, it may be useful to focus on how they can use harm minimisation strategies (e.g. drink water, eat first) to make a change in their alcohol-related behaviours instead.