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Healthcare Providers
The main recommendation to all clients should be to drink less. Universally screening all clients for alcohol use is best practice. Screening is a starting point for conversations about alcohol. Use the client’s health history and Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health to provide a personal risk assessment. This will help clients make informed choices about alcohol.
"Less is better" is the best message when talking to patients about alcohol. This article, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, recommends that healthcare providers communicate to clients that alcohol use, even at low levels, has adverse health effects.
The Canadian Clinical Guidelines for High Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder support healthcare providers with the implementation of evidence-based prevention, harm reduction, and treatment interventions. Research shows that primary care providers can play an important role in the early detection and treatment of high-risk drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Primary Care Providers can also connect individuals and families with specialized services and recovery-oriented supports in their communities.
The following resources can be used with patients:
CCSA Brochure - Guidance on Alcohol and Health
CCSA Booklet - Knowing your limits with alcohol
Resources for Healthcare Providers:
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health: Final Report
Canadian Clinical Guideline High Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder
Webinar: Canadian Clinical Guideline for High Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder
Technical Report on CCSA’s Process for the Canadian Guidance on Alcohol and Health