Alcohol check scheme rolled out

The scheme checks for potential alcohol problems

A programme to identify and help people with emerging drink problems has been extended across Dumfries and Galloway.

It follows the success of a pilot project of the voluntary screening scheme run by family doctors.

The initiative - the first of its kind in Scotland - is offered to patients whose medical conditions may be linked to their alcohol consumption.

Anyone found to be drinking to excess can be offered advice or referred for counselling or detoxification.

After the initial screening, a follow-up session is carried out three months later to monitor progress.

Continued success

The region's alcohol and drug action team said the programme had now attracted national interest.

The continued success of the scheme has been highlighted with the release of the latest figures for the Stewartry district - where all seven GP practices are involved.

They show that more than 260 patients in the area were screened during a six-month period.

Of that total, 60 were found to be drinking too much and offered support.

Three months later more than a third reported that they had reduced their alcohol intake.