STAT+: Despite its toll, alcohol is still an awkward subject in the doctor’s office
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- Doctors agree that asking about alcohol consumption is essential during check‑ups.
- Evidence‑backed tools can address alcohol use within a 15‑minute appointment.
- Alcohol screening and counseling are frequently compressed or omitted in primary‑care visits, according to studies.
- Excessive alcohol use—more than one drink daily for women or two for men—causes or worsens dozens of diseases and shortens lifespans.
- Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to higher risk of cancer, hypertension, liver damage, and other conditions.
Why it matters: Patients and insurers lose money as missed screening lets drinking above one drink per day for women or two for men go unchecked, driving up disease treatment costs.
