Psychiatria pre prax 4/2012

Alcohol abuse and dependance in psychiatric patients: brief intervention and other options

Most patients treated by psychiatrists are at higher risk of alcohol abuse compared to the general population. Alcohol abuse complicates their treatment because of the interactions between alcohol and drugs, lack of compliance and otherwise. Psychotropic drugs which do not interact with alcohol should be used in these patients. Psychiatrists are advised to apply brief intervention and/or arrange for concurrent treatment of alcohol dependence.

Keywords: alcohol, dual diagnosis, interaction, brief intervention.