Abstract
Alcohol dependence affects 4% of people aged between 16 and 65 years in England (6% of men and 2% of women),1 and over 26% of all adults (38% of men and 16% of women) consume alcohol in a way that is potentially or actually harmful to their health or wellbeing. Yet currently only 6% of people who are alcohol dependent receive treatment.1 Alcohol dependence is characterised by withdrawal, craving, impaired control, and tolerance of alcohol and is associated with a higher rate of mental and physical illness and a wide range of social problems. Harmful drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that can lead to psychological problems such as depression, accidents, injuries, and physical health problems such as pancreatitis. Alcohol misuse is also an increasing problem in children and young people, with over 24 000 treated in the NHS for alcohol related problems in 2008 and 2009.2 Hospital admissions related to alcohol consumption increased by 81% between 2003 and 2009.3 Harmful drinking and alcohol dependence therefore represent a considerable burden to individuals, their families, and wider society.
This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the diagnosis, assessment, and management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence.
This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the diagnosis, assessment, and management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | d700 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | BMJ |
| Volume | 342 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Feb 2011 |
