BRIEF INTERVENTIONS

There can be little doubt that such interventions are effective; over the last decade a wealth of evidence has accumulated in favour of their effectiveness. Most of the studies are on populations of drinkers (greater public health implications), but there is no reason to believe similar interventions should not be effective for nondependent illicit substance misusers and smokers (Russell M et al, 1979). 'Brief Interventions' typically yield around a 25% reduction in alcohol consumption compared with control conditions. One meta-analysis of six fairly compatible studies reported a 95% confidence interval of 18-31% (Effective Health Care Team). On average, three patients will need to receive such an intervention for one of the three to benefit (Wilk A et al, 1997). The reductions in alcohol use seem to be maintained at 12 months (Fleming M et al, 1997), and have been demonstrated to be effective in elderly as well as younger populations (Fleming M et al, 1999). There is some indication that men may benefit more than women (Kahan M et al, 1995). An international multicentre randomised controlled trial conducted by 'The WHO Brief Intervention Study Group' studied 1260 men and 299 women who were drinking at levels considered to put them at risk of alcohol-related problems, but who had no prior history of alcohol dependence. They concluded that brief interventions were consistently robust across healthcare settings and socio-cultural groups (WHO Brief Intervention Study Group, 1996).

Next page .. REFERRAL TO SPECIALIST SERVICES

Alcohol Guidelines index

The above information is copyright of Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych (2006). ISBN 0-9545164-0-0. The author grants permission for these guidelines to be downloaded, copied and distributed freely, but does not grant permission for their sale.