After screening for unhealthy alcohol use, which intervention should be provided to reduce unhealthy alcohol use?

• A. Referral to inpatient treatment
• B. No intervention unless addiction diagnosed
• C. Brief behavioral counseling interventions
• D. Pharmacotherapy only

Answer: (C)

After screening for unhealthy alcohol use, the next step is to provide brief behavioral counseling interventions. This approach is recommended because short, structured counseling—often 5 to 15 minutes in a primary care visit—helps adults reduce how much they drink and lowers the risk of alcohol-related harm. The counseling is typically motivational, supports goal setting, and can be delivered by clinicians or trained staff, making it a practical first-line response after a positive screen.

In contrast, referring everyone for inpatient treatment is unnecessary for most cases of unhealthy use, and doing nothing after a positive screen misses an opportunity to reduce harm. Pharmacotherapy has a role for people with more severe alcohol use disorders or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but it is not the sole or default approach right after screening in the general primary care population.