Promoting healthy use of alcohol in clinical practice

All patients, including those concerned about their dementia risk, should be encouraged to drink alcohol responsibly.

The NHMRC's Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol outline recommended drinking levels for reducing the risk of harm.They recommend all adults limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks on any day to reduce risk of long term harm, and no more than 4 drinks on any day to reduce risk of long term harm.

The RACGP Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (the 'red book') briefly outline recommendations for early detection and management of problem drinking. All patients should be asked about the quantity and frequency of alcohol intake from 15 years of age. Those with at risk patterns of alcohol consumption should be offered assistance to reduce their intake.

The SNAP guide details the guidelines for assessing patients’ alcohol consumption and assisting patients needing to reduce their drinking.

The Implementing Lifestyle Change health professional education series has been developed by the National Heart Foundation and the RACGP, to assist GPs and practise nurses in influencing patients to adopt healthy behaviours including healthy use of alcohol.

Lifescripts resources provide guidelines for providing lifestyle advice to patients, including about reducing alcohol consumption, and prescription templates.

The Australian Drug Foundation provides a range of information, reports and resources on alcohol.