What a GP can do about drinking

What happens when I see a GP about drinking?

It's a normal GP appointment. You talk about what's going on, the GP asks some questions, and together you work out what you want to change and what would help.

Your GP may ask about:

• How much and how often you drink, and what a typical week looks like.
• Whether you've tried to cut down before, and what happened.
• Whether you feel shaky, sweaty, anxious or unwell when you go without.
• How you're sleeping, how your mood has been, and what else is going on in your life.
• Any other health problems, and the medicines you take.

Some GPs use a short questionnaire to understand how drinking is affecting you. It's a way to start the conversation, not a test you pass or fail.

Your GP may also suggest a physical check, such as your blood pressure, and blood tests to look at your liver and general health. If you can, book a longer appointment so there's time to talk without rushing.

What do I say if I don't know how to start?

Just say it plainly. GPs talk about drinking all the time, and a simple opening is all they need.

• “I think I'm drinking more than I should, and I'd like some help.”
• “I've been trying to cut down and it's harder than I expected.”
• “My partner's worried about my drinking. Can we talk about it?”
• “I'm not sure if my drinking is a problem. Can you help me work it out?”

If it's hard to say out loud, write it down and hand your GP the note. Try to raise it at the start of the appointment rather than the end, so there's time to talk.

Being honest about how much you drink helps your GP give you safe advice, especially about stopping and about medicines. They've heard it all before.

What happens after the first visit?

Usually you agree on a plan and a time to come back. Follow-up is where most of the work happens, and you can change the plan as you go.

A plan might include:

• A goal you choose, such as drinking less, having alcohol-free days, or stopping altogether.
• A safe way to stop, if you drink heavily every day. See cutting down or stopping.
• Counselling or other support. See counselling and support.
• Medicine, for some people. See medicines that can help.
• Regular check-ins, and repeat blood tests if needed.

Slip-ups are common and they're not a failure. They tell you and your GP something useful about what to try next, so it's worth mentioning them.

Can a GP set up a care plan for drinking?

Sometimes. Where it fits your situation, a GP can prepare a Medicare plan that helps cover the cost of other care.

• GP mental health treatment plan. If you have a mental health condition with at least moderate needs, which can include problems with alcohol, your GP can prepare a plan and refer you for Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist or other eligible therapist, up to 10 individual sessions a calendar year.
• GP chronic condition management plan. If you have a long-term health condition, your GP can prepare a plan to coordinate your care. It can include Medicare rebates for some allied health visits, such as a dietitian or physiotherapist.

If you're registered with MyMedicare, these plans usually come from your registered practice. Your GP will tell you whether a plan suits you.

Will the GP look after the rest of my health too?

Yes. Drinking touches a lot of things, and a GP can look after them together rather than one at a time.

That can mean checking your blood pressure, liver and weight, talking about sleep, anxiety or low mood, reviewing medicines that don't mix well with alcohol, and keeping up with routine checks.

Every doctor listed on Satchel is a GP first, so you can keep seeing the same doctor for everything else. This is general information; your GP will talk about what fits your situation.