The Guidelines for the treatment of alcohol problems are an update of the 2003 guidelines. They provide up-to-date, evidence-based information to clinicians on treatments for people with alcohol problems. The guidelines are directed to the broad range of health care professionals who treat people with these problems and include a comprehensive review of treatment options. The guidelines do not provide advice on methods of treatment delivery and it is noted that some treatments will not be suitable for all populations and settings.
These guidelines have been updated after a review of recent evidence. Revision of the guidelines was conducted through consultation with an expert panel and informed by evidence from well-designed randomised controlled trials.
The guidelines focus on providing clinical guidance and management on the following key areas:
- Screening, assessment and treatment planning
- Brief interventions
- Alcohol withdrawal management
- Psychosocial interventions for alcohol use disorders
- Pharmacotherapies for alcohol dependence
- Self-help programs
- Specific populations
- Comorbidities
- Aftercare and long-term follow-up
Key resources for patients and carers are also available. These aim to reinforce clinical interventions through information regarding alcohol withdrawal and post-withdrawal services.
Guidelines for the treatment of alcohol problems
Quick reference guide to the treatment of alcohol problems
Hard copies of the guidelines and quick reference guide may be ordered by phone (02) 6269 1080, by email health@nationalmailing.com.au, or on-line. Please quote publication number AAG07 for the guidelines and AAG07A for the quick reference guide.
A review of the evidence used to develop the treatment guidelines is also available.