Brief interventions for alcohol use in primary care: opportunities and challenges for the case of Chile

Abstract

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are associated with several mental health, family, and social consequences. This paper analyzes the few studies on BIs in primary care in Chile and Latin America through a culturally critical view. Future research should address the need of culturally appropriate BI for AUD, so that decisions on policies and programs are made based on evidence-based, culturally appropriated practices. The Chilean context presents a unique opportunity to implement BI, since primary care counts on resources and protocols already installed. Clinical social workers should play a key role in this challenge.