Self-paced Course: Alcohol Use – Screening, Determining Risk, and Evidence-Based Treatment

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in British Columbia and is consumed throughout the province at rates associated with a high risk of adverse health impacts.

Through education, routine screening, promotion of lower-risk drinking practices, and tailored treatment plans, health-care providers can help mitigate the negative consequences of alcohol use and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.

Unfortunately, significant challenges and gaps currently stand in the way of optimal care. Widespread alcohol screening in clinical practice is lacking, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention. Without routine screening, many individuals with high-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) remain undetected, depriving them of timely support. Additionally, evidence-based treatments for AUD, such as pharmacotherapies, are underutilized, further exacerbating the situation.

To address these challenges, this course explores best practices in alcohol discussions, screenings, management and treatment, as described in the following guidelines:

Canadian Clinical Guideline High-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder (2023)
The BC Guideline for High-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder (2024)
Provincial Guideline for the Clinical Management of High-Risk Drinking and AUD (2019)
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health (2023)