The European Alcohol Action Plan stresses that health care systems, traditionally involved in the management of alcohol problems, must play a greater role in the detection and prevention of alcohol-related harm. Primary health care is seen as an important setting for identifying individuals at risk from heavy drinking and helping them to reduce consumption. It is also the major supporter of families and self-help groups, and acts as an advocate of public health for local communities. The book discusses strategies that can be adopted by primary health care providers in their everyday work with individuals and families, and examines the role of primary health care in providing interventions for hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption. The 14 chapters of the book cover: (1) the potential of primary health care; (2) the risk from alcohol; (3) effectiveness of brief interventions; (4) screening; (5) health education advice; (6) intervention; (7) barriers to implementation; (8) packages and protocols; (9) education and training; (10) family and friends; (11) community action; (12) alcohol policy; (13) targets; and (14) conclusion. Appendices include the "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test" (AUDIT) questionnaire and "Health Plan for Catalonia." (Contains 72 references.) (ND)