Screening for problem drinkers among medical inpatients.

Among 275 patients aged between 18 and 65 admitted to general medical wards, 19.3 per cent were found to have a current alcohol-related problem and/or previous treatment for alcoholism. 13.2 per cent were newly identified cases, with men significantly outnumbering women. The house physician's history referred to alcohol consumption in 32 of 34 new cases but often underestimated consumption, adverse social problems and dependence symptoms. Laboratory markers were not sufficiently sensitive to be used as screening tests on their own.