The Screening and Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders Monitoring of Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Matching Treatment to Individuals Motivational Interviewing

A recent report prepared for the Department of Health and Ageing examined attitudes and behaviours of drinkers at risk (Shanahan et al). The study found that drinking alcohol is intrinsic to Australian culture and the activity is seen as both normal, sociable and expected. People expect to drink alcohol in a wide range of situations and on a wide range of occasions. For chronic regular drinkers, that is ‘anywhere’, ‘anytime’ or ‘any excuse’. For episodic drinkers, justification to drink is readily available. Alcohol is perceived to be liberating and empowering. Getting drunk is a badge of being an adult and drinking is one of the significant ‘rites of passage’ into adulthood. The company and the occasion often determine what is consumed and how much. The drinking environment and the atmosphere also influence the amount of alcohol consumed.