Since nurses are already in contact with patients at risk of particular diseases and disorders,
they are ideally placed to provide low level, but high-impact interventions to encourage safe consumption of alcohol (Mably and Jones 2010,NICE 2011, House of Commons 2012,Mdege etal 2013).
However, nursing involvement requires careful consideration. While it is acknowledged
that current and competing demands make it difficult for nurses to take on additional roles,scope exists for nurses to have a more proactive role in increasing awareness of the harmful effects of excessive drinking when the opportunity arises.
The first step is for nurses to be able to identify individuals who may benefit from this type of advice and support.