This CKS topic covers the management of the hazardous and harmful drinker, the appropriate referral or admission of the person who is dependent on alcohol, and community-based withdrawal in the person who is dependent on alcohol where referral is not possible or necessary.

The topic is based on the public health guidance “Alcohol-use disorders: preventing the development of hazardous and harmful drinking” and the clinical guideline “Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis and clinical management of alcohol-related physical complications” both of which are published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).