ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Screening and brief intervention for reducing alcohol consumption has been demonstrated to be effective in various medical settings. The NIAAA has recommended that physicians screen all patients for at-risk and problem drinking. Often, screening is based on the concept of a "standard drink." METHODS: We administered a survey to residents (N=270) in order to assess their knowledge of standard drink equivalents and quantities of alcohol in various sizes of bottles. RESULTS: Although 89% of the responders stated that they had previously learned about screening for at-risk alcohol use, the majority did not know basic facts about standard drink equivalents. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Many trainees are not familiar with typical standard drink equivalents. This can have a significant impact on the screening of patients for problem drinking using screening tools that rely on standard drink equivalents.
