General practitioners are in a key position to identify heavy drinkers and provide them with advice on reducing their alcohol consumption and the associated risks. However, despite an abundance of literature on this subject and numerous public awareness campaigns in the media, the very concept of "alcohol-related risk" remains somewhat vague within the medical profession. Brief intervention refers to a formalized and relatively standardized counseling activity designed to help heavy drinkers reduce their consumption. The widespread adoption of this practice in general practice settings could contribute to reducing the second leading cause of preventable premature death: hazardous alcohol consumption. [introduction to the report]