Problem alcohol use among problem drug users: Development and content of clinical guidelines for general practice

Background: Problem alcohol use is common and associated with considerable adverse outcomes among patients who attend primary care in Ireland and other European countries for opiate substitution treatment. Aims: This paper aims to describe the development and content of clinical guidelines for the management of problem alcohol use among this population. Methods: The guidelines were developed in three stages: (1) identification of key stakeholders, (2) development of evidence-based draft guidelines, and (3) determination of a modified 'Delphi-facilitated' consensus among the group members. Results: The guidelines incorporate advice for physicians on all aspects of care, including (1) definition of problem alcohol use among problem drug users, (2) alcohol screening, (3) brief intervention, and (4) subsequent management of patients with alcohol dependence. Conclusions: Primary care has an important role to play in the care of problem alcohol use among problem drug users, especially opiate substitution patients. Further research on strategies to inform the implementation of these guidelines is a priority.