o reduce excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol-related
problems among adults (18+), the Community Preventive Services
Task Force (CPSTF) recommends electronic screening and brief
intervention (e-SBI). (“Alcohol – Excessive Consumption: Electronic
Screening and Brief Interventions (E-SBI)”). Screening and brief
intervention are delivered using electronic devices (e.g., computers,
telephones, or mobile devices).
Drinking patterns of patients are assessed through conventional
screening and brief intervention (SBI). People who screen positive for
excessive drinking receive a short, face-to-face intervention that
includes information about associated risks, changing drinking
patterns, and referral to treatment.
It is possible to deliver e-SBI techniques while assessing readiness to
change, emphasizing personal freedom to choose one’s drinking
patterns), and comparing alcohol consumption of individuals with
others (e.g., college students in the same school).
There are various healthcare systems, universities, and communities
where providers can deliver interventions. District, state, and federal
interventions include regulating alcohol outlet density (such as bars,
restaurants, and liquor stores).
Various communities use dram shop liability statutes that hold
alcohol retail establishments liable for intoxicated or underage
customers’ injuries or harms if they provide them with illegal alcohol
service.
An enhanced enforcement program that initiates or increases
compliance checks at alcohol retailers (such as bars, restaurants, and
liquor stores) can also be an intervention. (“Alcohol – Excessive
Consumption: Electronic Screening and Brief Interventions (E-SBI)”).
Providing information and resources to connect people with
treatment and reducing the impact of substance use disorders on
families is the goal of the Addiction, Recovery, Prevention, and
Treatment team. Virginia Department of Social Services provides
residents with the resources they need to recover from substance
abuse through ARTS, established by the Department of Medical
Assistance Services in 2017. (Virginia Department of Social Services).
In Virginia, ARTS provides substance abuse treatment to Medicaid,
FAMIS, and FAMIS MOMS members. ARTS Medicaid Provider Map,
Community Service Boards, and the Department of Behavioral
Health and Developmental Services Licensed Provider Search are all
resources patients can use to learn more about treatment options.
(Virginia Department of Social Services).
Those uninsured and unable to afford health insurance or medical
care can receive assistance. Medicaid rules changed in 2019, making
many adults eligible for free or low-cost coverage. Medicaid/FAMIS
may be available to Virginians without insurance. They offer a list of
free clinics in Virginia and Medicaid application information. (Virginia
Department of Social Services).
Communities can use these strategies to create a social and physical
environment that discourages excessive alcohol consumption,
reducing alcohol-related deaths, costs, and other harms. (CDC, “CDC
- Fact Sheets- Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use - Alcohol”).
References
“Alcohol – Excessive Consumption: Electronic Screening and Brief
Interventions (E-SBI).”
The Guide to Community Preventive Services
(the Community Guide)
, 15 Apr. 2014,
www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/alcohol-excessive-
consumption-electronic-screening-and-brief-interventions-e-sbi.
Virginia Department of Social Services. “Substance Use Disorder
Prevention and Recovery.”
Www.dss.virginia.gov
,
www.dss.virginia.gov/community/addiction/index.cgi.
“CDC - Fact Sheets- Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use - Alcohol.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
, 2019,
www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/prevention.htm.
