EASL Campus

A 45-year-old male of South Asian origin is referred to the liver clinic because of suspected advanced liver disease. His tests for virological, metabolic, genetic and autoimmune causes of liver disease were negative. At the consultation, he reluctantly admits to regularly drinking significant amounts of alcohol, which he keeps secret from his family. He reports drinking early in the morning, experiencing alcohol cravings, and has been fined for drink-driving. He was referred to the alcohol addiction team, but he did not attend the follow-up visit at the liver clinic.

Which of the following is true?

A. As treating physician, you need to be aware that stigma related to his alcohol use might affect the patient’s avoidance of his clinic attendance. However, it is not necessary as a clinician to be trained to reduce stigma around alcohol use disorder in the liver clinic.

B. Measures to reduce alcohol consumption in the general population including reduction of affordability, availability and advertising will not have an effect on this patient because he has severe addiction.

C. The patient has likely taken up alcohol treatment and if he needs further liver input they will refer him back to the liver clinic.

D. There should be a structured pathway for this patient to get him into treatment for his alcohol problem.

E. If the patient reduces his alcohol consumption sufficiently then there is no risk of alcohol-related harm, even if he does not become fully abstinent.

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