Local physician agrees with task force suggestion about alcohol screening

Expect an alcohol consumption question at your next physical checkup.

John Arce, a physician at Mayo Health System in La Crosse says men who consume more than 14 drinks and women, more than seven, a week, might have an alcohol problem.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force advises all adults should be screened for alcohol use.

Arce said Wisconsin’s culture of drinking leads to a lot of people freely admitting drinking copious amounts.

“A lot of people will say, ‘Well, yeah when I’m watching a football game or at some social event, I’ll have six drinks,’ and they won’t think anything of it,” Arce said. “It is important for patients and people to understand the long-term risks of alcohol use.”

The task force found no benefit to asking the question to those under 18.