A third of all trauma beds are occupied by patients injured while under the influence of alcohol, yet trauma centres currently treat the injury and ignore the underlying alcohol problem. The incorporation of brief interventions to motivate patients to reduce alcohol intake has been associated with a reduction of their drinking and a resultant decrease in health care costs. While trauma centres are ideally situated for alcohol screening, interventions, and referral, the efficacy of such a program should be confirmed and the strategies for its optimal implementation in the routine practise of care should be further evaluated.