Patients' alcohol drinking habits in general practice: prevention and education.

A survey of alcohol drinking habits using a questionnaire was conducted in a practice with 2 GPs and 4500 patients. Six hundred and thirty-two questionnaires were completed by all patients aged 15 and over attending the surgery during a three month period. Forty-five patients drinking in excess of 20 units of alcohol per week were identified, 22 of whom submitted to formal interview, examination, haematology, serum biochemistry and an education plan.