‘Inconclusive’ was the verdict of a review which aimed to assess the effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions among patients aged 11 to 21 attending for emergency care in the USA. Most promising targets seem to have been the more heavy or irresponsibly drinking among patients who were young adults rather than adolescents.

Key points from summary and commentary
• The featured review aimed to assess the effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions among patients aged 11 to 21 attending for emergency care in the USA.
• Overall the results of the seven studies were inconclusive in respect of whether such interventions have reduced drinking or related consequences.
• Most promising targets seem to have been the more heavy or irresponsibly drinking among patients who were young adults rather than adolescents.