The patient interview included the AUDs section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI); [30] assessing information on alcohol use and AUDs criteria according to the fourth as well as the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; [31], DSM-5); [32]. To assess reasons for not seeking treatment, patients reporting any DSM-5 AUDs symptom, were subsequently asked if they sought help. If they responded negatively they were asked an open ended (‘If you did not ask for help, please describe why’; lifetime and 12 months) as well as a set of closed questions (asking for shame, stigma, dissatisfaction with treatment system and wish not to stop drinking completely; referring to the past 12 months only). Additionally, the patient interview comprised questions on socio-demographics as well as a number of validated questionnaires.
