This patient also requires teaching about possible interactions of alcohol with certain medications. Also, teach your alcoholic patient about the dangers of taking acetaminophen, even at therapeutic doses. Alcoholics risk serious hepatic injury when taking acetaminophen at doses of 2.5 gms - four gms daily. Conclusion Be alert and assess your patients for alcohol abuse. Verbalize your findings and concerns with the patient's primary healthcare provider.
Alcoholism is often a missed diagnosis requiring a team approach.
When ETOH disorders are identified earlier it increases the likelihood of a positive intervention. Your early assessment and identification will enable the patient to receive appropriate interventions and improved outcomes. The CAGE questionnaire counters the use of the defense mechanism of denial by alcoholics. Asking these patients how much they drink is unlikely to elicit an accurate response. The CAGE questionnaire focuses on the effects of drinking, not the quantity consumed.