Short one-on-one discussions about alcohol consumption in a doctor’s office may reduce patients' drinking levels, according to a study. .

Study authors noted that the findings were inconclusive for brief interventions delivered in emergency department and trauma centers, but did take effect when conducted in general medical settings, like a primary care clinic. .

Short one-on-one discussions about alcohol consumption in a doctor’s office may reduce patients' drinking levels, according to a new study. 

According to the study, general medical settings may be ideal because they present significant opportunity to screen for alcohol and drug use across non-treatment seeking patients of varying ages receiving services at the clinic for a wide array of other medical conditions

It investigated the efficacy of brief interventions for alcohol and other drug use delivered in various types of medical settings.  

"Given their brevity, low cost, and minimal clinician effort, brief interventions may be a promising way to reduce alcohol use, one patient at a time," Tanner-Smith wrote in the release.