The perception of Italian GPs on alcohol problems has changed in recent
decades, but it is still inclined to make a too clear-cut distinction between
normal drinkers without any problem and hopeless alcoholics, according
to an ongoing cultural tradition. On the other hand, according to
consistent observation during the last 25 years, the identification of risky
drinkers among clients has been as low as 4-11%, and of alcoholics
between 0.8 and 2%. Understanding the obstacles that GPs encounter
when they communicate with patients about the issue of alcohol can
provide appropriate information tools to improve GP’s ability to identify
risky drinkers and to motivate those identified to reduce their drinking
behaviour