Alcohol and Alcohol Use Disorders

The purpose of this course is to address the ongoing alcohol competency educational needs of practicing physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. The material will include core competencies as well as knowledge, assessment, and treatment-based competencies. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Review facts about the history, costs, and prevalence of alcohol use and abuse.

2. Define moderate drinking and take a history of alcohol use as defined by the standard drink equivalency.

3. Identify benefits reported in the literature for moderate alcohol consumption.

4. Distinguish between genetic and environmental risk and protective factors for developing alcohol problems.

5. Describe clinical characteristics of alcohol use disorder, intoxication, and withdrawal.

6. List complications associated with alcohol use disorders.

7. Recognize mental problems associated with alcohol use disorders.

8. Discuss screening instruments for detecting alcohol use disorders, including considerations for non-English-proficient patients.

9. Explain brief intervention efficacy and techniques.

10. Describe and evaluate treatment modalities.


This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.