There is evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies of a relationship between heavy drinking and certain clinical presentations (injuries, physical and psychiatric illnesses, frequent sickness absence) and social problems (see Annex 2). There are some signs at physical examination recognised by experts as linked to heavy drinking, such as injuries (including in the elderly), tremor of the hands and tongue, and excessive capillarisation of the facial skin and The exact association between these signs and actual heavy drinking has not been thoroughly investigated. Research suggests that most people are not offended by being asked about their alcohol consumption and will give a reliable account if there is.
