Question

A 55-year-old man drinks 8-10 standard drinks of beer nightly and has difficulty cutting down despite recognising problems at work. He has no features of withdrawal currently. According to Australian primary care recommendations, which is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Provide a brief intervention with motivational interviewing, assess dependence and offer referral to specialist alcohol and other drug services, considering thiamine supplementation

Answer

Commence long-term benzodiazepines to help him reduce alcohol

Answer

Advise abrupt cessation at home with no support

Answer

Tell him to return only if he develops withdrawal symptoms

Answer

Start disulfiram without assessing readiness to change

Practice question

A 55-year-old man drinks 8-10 standard drinks of beer nightly and has difficulty cutting down despite recognising problems at work. He has no features of withdrawal currently. According to Australian primary care recommendations, which is the most appropriate initial management?