Reducing alcohol-related health risks: the role of the nurse.

The negative effects of alcohol consumption are increasingly being recognised in the UK, with statistics highlighting the health and social problems associated with the misuse of alcohol. Consequently, nurses need to consider their role in educating and advising patients about 'safe' drinking limits. This article identifies some of the problems with adhering to such safe drinking limits, for example, the miscalculation of alcohol units. In addition, the article highlights nursing interventions that can be used with all patients, not just those presenting with alcohol-related problems, to increase awareness of the negative effects of harmful alcohol consumption.