Unhealthy Alcohol Use Awareness Project

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For help with alcohol or other substance use problems, call 211.

 

Unhealthy alcohol use poses a major threat to public health in the United States and New Hampshire. The American Public Health Association estimates that alcohol contributes to approximately 95,000 deaths annually and is the third leading preventable cause of death after tobacco and nutrition / inactivity, greater than any illicit drug, including opioids. New Hampshire consistently leads the nation in alcohol consumption and alcohol sales rose substantially during the pandemic.

With providers on the front lines of addressing unhealthy alcohol use, the Foundation is partnering with the State to ensure they are aware of the harms it creates and its contribution to other psychosocial challenges; how to effectively approach topics related to alcohol use with patients; and the value of screening, brief advice/intervention, and pharmacological treatments, in addition to psychosocial therapies.

The goal to expand medical, mental health and substance use provider awareness of the importance of addressing unhealthy alcohol use, will be accomplished by the Foundation working with more than 50,000 providers across the state to support their efforts in:

• Identifying patients’ unhealthy alcohol use
• Advising patients on healthier behaviors regarding alcohol use
• Treating patients with alcohol use issues or referring them to specialty AUD treatment when it is indicated
• Following up with patients to provide support for recovery 

 

Alcohol consumption has been steadily rising over the last decade, particularly among women, older adults, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and those of lower socioeconomic status. In addition, alcohol use appears to be increasing further during the COVID-19 pandemic with increased alcohol sales in New Hampshire and observations of increasing alcohol associated harm.

 

Together, we can work to reduce unhealthy alcohol use among New Hampshire residents and create a healthier tomorrow.

Resources

Quick Access

Primary Care Alcohol Screening Intervention

Social Media Graphics

Video: A Rethink of the Way We Drink

For Patients, Family, Friends, and the Community

Assessment Tools to Identify Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Use Disorders

• Information to prepare for/understand alcohol screening by a clinician
• Self-evaluation tools:  Self-administered Alcohol Use Disorders Test (AUDIT), a standard screen
• More self-administered tests to further explore alcohol use

 

Addressing the Spectrum of Harmful Alcohol Use

• When to seek help and where to find it
• Talking with someone you are concerned about
• Family support guide

 

Information on Alcohol Effects on Health

• Comprehensive but straight forward information from the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) on health effects of alcohol.
• Core but Detailed Information on Alcohol for Health Professionals with CME
• Rethinking Drinking. Clear, simple information on healthy versus non-healthy alcohol use from NIAAA.
• Current recommendations for safe alcohol use. Simple and straight forward from CDC.

Treatment and Recovery Supports in the Community

• The NH Doorway System. Evaluations and treatment within an hour from anywhere in NH.  Patients can self-present.  Clinicians can refer.
• NH Recovery Hub. Find information and connections to regional NH Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs). Support from peers for anyone seeking to enter into or sustain recovery.
• A video about the NIAAA treatment navigator for patients
• NIAAA treatment navigator for clinicians. Information to help clinicians help patients find high-quality treatment.
• NIAAA treatment navigator for patients. Information on alcohol use disorder and how to find high-quality treatment.
• State of New Hampshire Recovery Hub

 

For Clinicians

Assessment Tools to Identify Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Use Disorders

• Alcohol screening recommendations for adults and adolescents from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
• Quick and effective alcohol screening recommendations from NIAAA
• Guides to screening for substance use disorders including alcohol in specialty settings (Pregnancy, Adolescent/Pedi, Dental, Pain Management) from National Institutes on Drug Abuse, NIDA-Med
• Common, brief alcohol screens
  • Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (The AUDIT)
  • One question screen (follow a positive test with the AUDIT):  How often in the past year have you had more than X or more drinks in a single day (X= 4 for women, 5 for men).  Negative result = none.  Positive = once or more.
  • Safe drinking questions (follow positive response with the AUDIT):  Number of days drinking per week and typical number of drinks/day or drinking. >7 drinks/week for women and >14 drink/week for men is positive.

 

Addressing the Spectrum of Harmful Alcohol Use

• Helping Patients who Drink Too Much, Guidance from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• Medications for Alcohol Use and Use Disorders. A Guide from U.S. DHHS
• Review Article on Medications for Alcohol Use, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Family Practice
• Psychosocial treatment for alcohol use disorder, a review from Up-to-Date.

 

Information on Alcohol Effects on Health

• Comprehensive but straight forward information from the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) on health effects of alcohol.
• Core but Detailed Information on Alcohol for Health Professionals with CME
• Rethinking Drinking. Clear, simple information on healthy versus non-healthy alcohol use from NIAAA.
• Current recommendations for safe alcohol use. Simple and straight forward from CDC.