Hazardous alcohol intake is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after major and minor operations, elective and emergency procedures for men and women.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a 6-week Gold Standard Programme for alcohol cessation intervention in the perioperative period compared to the daily routine guidelines for patients with hazardous alcohol intake undergoing ankle fracture surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Drinking 21 or more drinks(one drink containing 12 g ethanol) per week for at least 3 months
• Traumatic ankle fracture requiring internal fixation (osteosynthesis; more than just Kirschner threads or similar minor intervention)
• Informed consent
• Randomisation within 36 hours after entering the orthopaedic department

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major trauma involving other fractures or major lesions,
• Preoperative severe psychiatric disorders (including medicine addiction, severe alcohol dependence [defined as experience of delirium or seizures during abstinence from alcohol], dementia) or other conditions of reduced ability for giving informed consent
• Pathological fractures
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Allergy to benzodiazepines, anaesthesia, pain treatment or disulfiram
• Uncompensated chronic diseases (including fulminate cardiac or liver insufficiency, which are contraindications for disulfiram)
• ASA score 4-5
• Canceled operation
• Withdrawal of informed consent