Alcohol-related harm remains one of Scotland’s most pressing public health challenges. With almost 1,200 alcohol-specific deaths and nearly 30,000 hospital admissions annually, the burden on individuals, families, and communities is profound. These harms disproportionately affect those in our most deprived areas, deepening health inequalities and straining frontline services.
As trusted first points of contact, GPs are uniquely positioned to identify and support patients struggling with alcohol use. Whether through brief interventions, compassionate conversations, or effective signposting, primary care professionals play a pivotal role in reducing alcohol-related harm and promoting recovery.
This presentation—developed in partnership by Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)—is designed to equip GPs with the latest insights, tools, and strategies to respond confidently and effectively to alcohol-related issues in clinical practice.
Alcohol Matters In General Practice
October 2025