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Doctors See Need for Better Consumer Education about Alcohol

January 12, 2005
Although they discuss alcohol with their patients, most doctors say adults are not clearly informed about the risks of drinking, a survey finds.

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The survey by the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) shows that 92 percent of doctors surveyed discuss alcohol with their patients, and 95 percent said it was important that people understand the standard drink definition, used by federal and state governments, to guide responsible decisions about drinking. Yet, 80 percent of these doctors believe that most adults do not know this information.

"It is clear from the survey that doctors can play a pivotal role in alcohol education by making sure patients know about the Federal Government's Dietary Guidelines for alcohol and what constitutes a standard drink," said Dr. Diane Helentjaris, President of the American Medical Women's Association, the oldest and largest multispecialty association of women physicians in the world, this year celebrating its 90th Birthday.

Dr. Helentjaris noted that these discussions are particularly relevant and important in light of the release this week of the 2005 Federal Dietary Guidelines, which are revised every five years and have included a guideline on alcohol since the first edition in 1980.

The AMWA-sponsored survey of 253 physicians, residents and medical students also found that most doctors believe their patients don't know this important scientific fact about alcohol, that a standard drink -- 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits -- each contain the same amount of alcohol and have the same physiological effect on the body.

After reviewing the survey, Dr. Raymond Scalettar, former Chairman of the American Medical Association, said, "Incorporating standard drink education into routine examinations will help to reinforce moderation in those who drink and to identify problems associated with alcohol abuse."

Dr. Scalettar added, "The release of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines provides doctors with an opportunity to continue dialogues with their patients to reinforce moderate and responsible drinking."

Among the survey's other findings:

• 95 percent of doctors surveyed agree that it is important for people to understand the federal government's definition of a standard drink to make decisions about moderate and responsible alcohol consumption.
• 84 percent believe that placing information about the federal government's definition of a standard drink on labels on beverage alcohol containers would be helpful to patients who consume alcohol.
• 98 percent of those surveyed agree that it is important to communicate with their patients about alcohol consumption, including information about the definition of a standard drink.

A graphic illustration of standard drinks for consumers is available at www.standarddrinks.com.

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