Despite the significant burden of disease, social harms, and economic costs attributed to alcohol use in BC, high-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder frequently go unrecognized and untreated in the healthcare system. Although nationally representative data from Canada is not available, data from the U.S. and Europe have shown that fewer than 10% of people with AUD receive evidence-based treatment.

The BC Centre on Substance Use convened an expert panel to review the literature and develop a consensus guideline for the optimal screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals drinking above low-risk limits. The guideline sets out 13 recommendations that are supported by high-quality, current, and rigorously reviewed evidence. The guideline aims to bridge the significant research-to-practice gap in this field, which will, in turn, improve access to evidence-based treatment for patients and families, and reduce the significant harms associated with alcohol use in British Columbia.

Alcohol Use Disorder Guideline: