Unhealthy alcohol use screening and counseling
Summary of the 2018 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
This is an educational summary written for a portfolio project. Recommendations change; always confirm with the official source.
Who it applies to
Adults aged 18 and older, including pregnant people.
Recommendation
Screen for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care, and provide brief behavioral counseling to people engaged in risky or hazardous drinking (grade B).
Tools
Brief validated screening tools include the AUDIT-C and the single-question screen (for example, "How many times in the past year have you had 5 or more drinks in a day?" for men, or 4 or more for women).
Adolescents
For adolescents aged 12 to 17, the evidence is insufficient (I statement).