As reported in more detail in other publications [27, 28] the present study showed that GPs were more likely to detect AUDs when they became evident in decreased liver functioning and other physical indicators. Again, with a routine assessment of patients alcohol use, GPs might be able to offer brief interventions before more severe consequences emerge. Brief interventions (in primary care) have been shown to be highly effective and useful in prevention of progression into more severe stages of AUDs, alcohol-related mortality and societal costs [40–43].
