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VA » Health Care » Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease » Educational Resources » Tools for Reducing Alcohol Use

Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease

Tools for Reducing Alcohol Use

Tools for Reducing Alcohol Use - Alcoholic Liver Disease

The brief intervention teaching guide and related resources help health care providers take a clinical approach to reducing alcohol use among patients with hepatitis C. Abstaining from alcohol is one of the most important factors in preserving liver health in individuals with hepatitis C, and brief interventions have been found to be cost-effective ways to reduce alcohol consumption. A non-confrontational, patient-centered approach in addressing drinking problems increases the likelihood that the patient will discuss the relevant incentives and barriers associated with behavior change.

Program Materials
	Teaching Guide: Reducing Alcohol Use with Brief Intervention This guide provides an overview for the provider on how to conduct brief intervention to reduce alcohol use among patients with hepatitis C.
Related Resources
	Audit-C and Audit-C Scoring Cards The 3-item version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) can help quickly identify persons with hazardous and harmful patterns of alcohol consumption. Scoring cards for Veterans also are included.
	Drinking Diary Card and Change Plan Template Patients can record their alcohol use over a 4-week period on this wallet card as a way to monitor their drinking behavior.The opposite side of the card lists 5 important questions for patients who are ready to make a "change plan" to reduce the amount they drink.
	Hepatitis C and Alcohol Patient Fact Sheet and Questionnaire A patient handout detailing the dangers of heavy alcohol use for individuals with hepatitis C and illustrating the risks for developing cirrhosis.
	OARS/FLO Card The purpose of this card is to help providers discuss alcohol use with Veterans with hepatitis C. The double-sided card contains tips and reminders: the OARS side discusses motivational interviewing; the FLO side discusses brief interventions. This card, with its brief scripts, may be used in conjunction with the Teaching Guide: Reducing Alcohol Use with Brief Intervention. (Use this card instead of the Motivational Counseling card that was previously available.)
Videos and Interactive Resources
	Brief Counseling for Alcohol Misuse A 3-minute video on brief alcohol intervention, a project of the Boston Medical Center, and a product of the Alcohol Clinical Training (ACT) Project. Supported by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and produced in cooperation with the Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health.