WONCA Europe, in collaboration with WHO/Europe, is proud to announce the publication of our new factsheet on alcohol screening and brief interventions (SBI). Launched on 26 March 2026 during the European Forum on Prevention and Primary Care in Madrid, this initiative underscores the vital role we play as family doctors in the global mission to improve public health.
Why This Factsheet Matters
Alcohol remains a leading risk factor for ill health across Europe. This resource provides a practical, evidence-based roadmap for primary health care professionals to identify and address risky alcohol use before it leads to severe dependency or chronic disease.
Key highlights of the factsheet include:
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Practical Implementation: A clear overview of how SBI works in daily practice.
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Validated Tools: Guidance on using screening tools like AUDIT and AUDIT-C to assess patient risk levels.
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The "Prevention Paradox": Evidence showing that the majority of alcohol-related harm occurs among nondependent drinkers, making routine screening essential for the general population.
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Communication Strategies: Tips for initiating routine, non-judgmental conversations to normalize the topic of alcohol consumption with patients.
Empowering Primary Care
Primary care professionals are uniquely positioned to lead prevention efforts. By integrating SBI into everyday practice, we can shift the focus from treating late-stage complications to early, effective intervention.
"This factsheet aims to help health professionals normalize conversations about alcohol, ensuring that every patient contact is an opportunity for prevention."
Access the Resource
You can download the full factsheet via the link below: