Care for People 15 Years of Age and Older
These quality statements describe what high-quality care looks like for people with problematic alcohol use or alcohol use disorder.
See below for a summary of the quality standard or download it for more detailed statements.
Download the Quality Standard
Quality Statement 1: Screening
People who present to primary care, the emergency department, mental health and addictions settings, or other appropriate settings are screened for problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder using a validated tool.
Quality Statement 2: Brief Intervention
People who screen positive for problematic alcohol use are offered a brief intervention.
Quality Statement 3: Comprehensive Assessment
People who may have alcohol use disorder are offered a comprehensive assessment that informs their care plan.
Quality Statement 4: Care Plan
People with alcohol use disorder have an individualized care plan developed in collaboration with their health care professional that includes appropriate services and treatment goals. Care is seamlessly integrated, interprofessional, and provided in primary care or in collaboration with primary care.
Quality Statement 5: Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
People with alcohol use disorder who have withdrawal symptoms are offered assessment, treatment, and support tailored to the severity of their symptoms.
Quality Statement 6: Information and Education
People with alcohol use disorder and their caregivers are offered information, education, and support appropriate for their needs and preferences.
Quality Statement 7: Psychological and Social Interventions
People with alcohol use disorder are offered information on psychological and social interventions that address their needs and preferences.
Quality Statement 8: Medications to Reduce Alcohol Cravings or Consumption
People with alcohol use disorder have timely access to medications that reduce alcohol cravings or consumption based on their needs and preferences.
Quality Statement 9: Concurrent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders and Comorbid Physical Health Disorders
People with alcohol use disorder who also have a mental health disorder, physical health disorder, or another substance use disorder are offered treatment for their concurrent and comorbid disorders.
Quality Statement 10: Monitoring, Support, and Follow-Up
People with alcohol use disorder are offered ongoing follow-up with their health care professional on a regular basis to monitor treatment and response.