Observational study reveals low apparent consumption and atypical admissions in hospitalized problem drinkers, highlighting the need for targeted early screening.
Summary One hundred and sixty‐one male medical inpatients were identified as problem drinkers according to criteria previously defined. This paper describes the pattern of their drinking and the associated medical and psychosocial problems. Over half had been admitted with an illness not typically related to alcohol and a similar proportion reported levels of consumption which have previously been considered safe. Classical symptoms of dependence were uncommon but specific enquiry revealed a broad range of social problems related to alcohol. Recognition of this profile is necessary if problem drinkers are to be identified at an early stage and to benefit from counselling.
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Lloyd et al. (1986) studied this question.
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