Responses and referral

This chapter is aimed at practitioners who may not have specialist knowledge of how to respond to people who have problems with alcohol and identifies helpful responses and options for referral. The context of alcohol as a mainstay of many cultures is explored, along with the impact of this upon people who experience problems with alcohol, as well as practitioners who work with people experiencing such problems. Therapeutic principles are emphasised in terms of their paramount importance in providing a useful response. The assessment process is outlined, with discussion on options for appropriate referral. Finally, brief interventions are explored, providing a useful framework for practitioners to facilitate useful engagements even within a short space of time.