The Dutch College of General Practitioners' practice guideline "Problem drinking" contains recommendations for the (early) recognition, diagnosis and treatment of problem drinking and includes recommendations for young people and the management of acute alcohol intoxication. In daily practice problems with alcohol manifest themselves mainly as indirect signals and aspecific symptoms. The practice guideline recommends asking about alcohol use in every case where symptoms cannot be directly explained. General practitioners are usually able treat patients with a drinking problem themselves. Short-term interventions by the general practitioner and practice nurse are effective in the reduction of alcohol use. 'E-mental health' is an aid that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of problem alcohol use.