How nurse therapists assess and contribute to the management of alcoholand sedative drug use among anxious patients

Fourteen nurse therapists completed self‐administered questionnaires ontheir assessment of and input to management of alcohol and sedative drug use among 110 anxious patients referred to them for behaviour therapy. Information on use and on case management is summarized. The therapists play an active, extended role in assessing, communicating about and in some cases advising on reduction of these substances. Policies on use in the context of behaviour therapy are formed in training, and implications for training and the need for awareness of the relevant literature are discussed.