Alcohol Use Reduction and Cessation
Care Plan Library
Introduction
This page is part of the Care Plan Building Library used by GeneralPracticeTraining.com.au.
It is designed to support clinicians and practice teams with standardised, ready-to-use care plan materials.
Problem or Condition Overview
This snippet focuses on harmful alcohol use or alcohol dependence and provides a benchmark care plan table aligned with GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (Medicare item 965).
It supports structured, evidence-based alcohol reduction and cessation interventions suitable for general practice. Untitled document
Care Plan Snippet – Alcohol Use (Table Format)
Care Plan Details
Item: GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (Medicare item 965)
Date of care plan: [Insert date]
Patient Details
Patient: [Patient name], [DOB], [Address], [Phone]
GP Details
GP: [Doctor name], [Provider number], [Clinic name], [Clinic address]
GP Management Plan – Problems / Goals / Treatments / Arrangements
| Patient problem / needs / relevant condition | SMART goals | Required treatments and services (including patient actions) | Arrangements for treatments / services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harmful alcohol use / alcohol dependence | Reduce alcohol intake to within NHMRC low-risk drinking guidelines within 6 months, or achieve complete abstinence if clinically indicated | Brief intervention using screening tools (e.g. AUDIT-C). Discuss health risks and benefits of reduction. Motivational interviewing and goal setting. Develop a reduction or cessation plan. Consider pharmacotherapy if appropriate. Address triggers and relapse prevention strategies. Provide education resources. | GP to assess severity and oversee management plan. Practice nurse to provide follow-up support and monitoring. Consider referral to counselling, psychology, or alcohol and other drug (AOD) services if required. Regular reviews initially monthly, then as clinically appropriate. |
Preventive Care (Age-Appropriate)
Assess liver function, cardiovascular risk, mental health, and nutritional status as clinically indicated.
Review vaccination status and preventive screening.
Reinforce lifestyle and preventive health counselling.
Review and Follow-up
Review this plan every 1–3 months initially, then as part of the routine care plan review
(Medicare item 967, where applicable).
Date service completed: [Insert date]
Proposed review date: [Insert date]
Confirmation that the patient has agreed to the plan: Yes
Closing and Links
You can use our Care Plan Building Tool to generate customised alcohol reduction or cessation plans tailored to individual patient needs.
You can also explore our online courses, completed by thousands of health professionals worldwide, covering preventive care, mental health, and chronic disease management.
Optional Note on Updates
This page is periodically updated.
Please check back for the latest version.