USPSTF

USPSTF: Screen all adults for unhealthy alcohol use

August 7, 2025

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of screening and behavioral counseling interventions for reducing unhealthy alcohol use in adolescents and adults. The review included randomized trials and observational studies assessing screening tools, brief interventions, and referral strategies in primary care settings.

Draft recommendations:

• USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings in adults 18 years or older, including those who are pregnant, and providing persons engaged in risky or hazardous drinking with brief behavioral counseling interventions to reduce unhealthy alcohol use. Grade: B
• USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening and brief behavioral counseling interventions for alcohol use in primary care settings in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. See the Clinical Considerations section for suggestions for practice regarding the I statement. Grade: I

Source:

(2025, August 5). USPSTF. Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Adolescents and Adults: Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions [Draft Recommendation Statement]. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/unhealthy-alcohol-use-adolescents-adults-behavioral-counseling-interventions