Course and outcome of patients with alcohol use disorders following an alcohol intervention during hospital attendance: mixed method study.

Background: Alcohol-related presentations to acute hospitals in the UK are increasing, but little is known of the clinical characteristics or natural history of this patient group.

Aims: To describe the clinical characteristics, drinking profile and trajectory of a cohort of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) attending hospital, and explore participant perspectives of the impact of hospital attendance on their relationship with alcohol.

Method: We conducted a mixed method, prospective, observational cohort study of patients with AUD seen in an acute hospital.

Alcohol use and breast cancer risk: A qualitative study of women's perspectives to inform the development of a preventative intervention in breast clinics.

Objective: This study aimed to explore women's views about breast cancer risk and alcohol use, to inform the design of a prototype for an intervention in breast clinics about alcohol as a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer.

Methods: Women recruited in NHS breast screening and symptomatic clinics in Southampton, UK, were invited to take part in semi-structured telephone interviews or a focus group to discuss their perspectives of breast cancer risk, alcohol consumption and their information needs about these topics. Data were analysed thematically.

Identity in recovery from problematic alcohol use: A qualitative study of online mutual aid.

Aim: To explore how engagement with online mutual aid facilitates recovery from problematic alcohol use, focusing on identity construction processes.

Design: Qualitative in-depth interview study of a maximum variation sample.

Setting: Telephone interviews with UK-based users of Soberistas, an online mutual aid group for people who are trying to resolve their problematic alcohol use.

Internet Support for Dealing with Problematic Alcohol Use: A Survey of the Soberistas Online Community.

Aims: Advances in technology have led to an increased range of possibilities for forms of mutual aid in addictions, and patient empowerment in the management of long-term conditions. However, the effective processes involved may be different online than for those that meet in person. is a ‘social network site for people who are trying to resolve their problematic drinking patterns’.

Safety and Tolerability of Pharmacological Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: Comprehensive Review of Evidence.

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, but pharmacological treatments for them are underused, despite evidence of efficacy. Acamprosate, naltrexone, nalmefene and disulfiram are all approved in one or more region for the treatment of AUD. Baclofen currently has a temporary indication in France.