Detection of alcoholism

Press, 9 October 1982, Page 16

Detection of alcoholism

Handbook on Alcoholism for Medical Practitioners. Published by the Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council, 1982. 106 pp. Biblography and index.

The Alcohdlic Liquor Advisory Council is giving much attention to the ways in which people at risk from alcohol can be identified in the community, and persuaded to seek help. This book is a practical, brief guide, carefully laid out and simply presented, to help busy doctors recognise tell-tale signs in patients — and a guide to help them to decide how to handle patients with drinking problems. The authors are Dr John O’Hagen, of the Christchurch Clinical School of Medicine, Dr Edwin Whiteside, of The Bridge Programme, Wellington, and Dr Ludwig Bieder, physician in charge of the Detoxication and Clinical Assessment Unit, Palmerston North Hospital. Their skills are blended into a text that gives a quick, clear guide to the physical, psychological and social aspects of the abuse of alcohol.