USPSTF Recommends Screening and Counseling for Alcohol Misuse

The third U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has been releasing new and updated guidelines during the past 3 years (guidelines homepage; Journal Watch May 15 2001; and Journal Watch Apr 13 2004).

USPSTF 3 concludes each of its guidelines with a recommendation, graded as follows:

A -- The intervention is strongly recommended.

B -- The intervention is recommended.

C -- The USPSTF makes no recommendation for or against the intervention.

D -- The intervention is not routinely recommended.

I -- Evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against the intervention.

The USPSTF recommends screening and behavioral counseling to reduce alcohol misuse by adults, including elders and pregnant women, in primary care settings. The recommendations focu…