Brief alcohol interventions are used with the aim of reducing alcohol consumption and related harm in hazardous and harmful drinkers who are not actively seeking help for alcohol problems.1,2 An updated Cochrane review has assessed the latest evidence on their effectiveness in general practice or emergency care settings.3 The findings from an earlier Cochrane review had been questioned by researchers who highlighted limitations associated with the evidence.4

Brief intervention is typically structured according to the FRAMES (feedback, responsibility, advice, menu, empathy, self-efficacy) approach.2 It includes a …