Harmful alcohol consumption

A 33-year-old man was recently hospitalised for reduction of a dislocated shoulder sustained while playing football. The discharge summary from the hospital noted that he had hepatomegaly, and the alcohol history indicated 'harmful levels' of alcohol consumption. The author discusses what is meant by 'harmful level of alcohol consumption', the level of alcohol consumption necessary to produce hepatomegaly, other medical problems due to alcohol and what the GP can do to make this young man aware of his alcohol problem and to help him to reduce his alcohol intake. (non-author abstract)