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- Title
Social prescribing of Alcoholics Anonymous in general practice.
- Authors
Finlay, Ilora; Humphreys, Keith
- Abstract
The article discusses the rise in alcohol-related deaths during the COVID pandemic and the need to address the negative impact of alcohol on public health. It highlights the challenges faced by general practitioners (GPs) in addressing alcohol problems and the bureaucratic barriers they encounter in prescribing medications. The article suggests that a simple and effective solution is to refer patients to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a mutual help program with over 4000 peer-led groups in Britain. AA has been shown to promote abstinence from alcohol and reduce healthcare costs over time. It also provides social support and companionship, which can help combat isolation and loneliness. The authors recommend that GPs provide a brief description of AA and its scientific grounding, and if possible, connect patients with experienced members who can accompany them to their first meeting to increase the likelihood of a successful referral.
- Subjects
ALCOHOLICS Anonymous; DRUG prescribing; ALCOHOLISM; PEOPLE with alcoholism; TEMPERANCE; COVID-19 pandemic
- Publication
British Journal of General Practice, 2024, Vol 74, Issue 744, p297
- ISSN
0960-1643
- Publication type
Letter
- DOI
10.3399/bjgp24x738549