Alcohol Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Alcohol, including details on use, abuse, treatment, health, rehab.

Minimal intervention as a preparation for the treatment of alcohol dependency.

Bamford Z, Booth PG, McGuire J, Salmon P

The Windsor Clinic, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, UK.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of a minimal intervention as a preparation for treatment of alcohol dependency. METHOD: A randomized-controlled trial with 361 treatment seekers in an alcohol treatment unit in Northwest England. Study variables included recent alcohol intake, participants' views of their drinking problem, and several self-report scale scores. Experimental group participants received an advance leaflet containing advice on reducing alcohol intake. RESULTS: At follow-up participants in the leaflet group were more likely to view their drinking problem as a learnt behaviour. There was a non-significant tendency for more of the leaflet group to attend for assessment by comparison with controls. Significant improvements occurred over time in readiness to change (recognition subscale), self efficacy and dependency, independent of group allocation. CONCLUSIONS: The tendency toward increased attendance rates should be confirmed in a larger sample. Findings have potential implications for the usage of treatment preparatory material.

Published 11 July 2005 in Br J Clin Psychol, 44: 289-94.
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