Effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions in primary care populations
Abstract
Background
Excessive drinking is a significant cause of mortality, morbidity and social problems in many countries. Brief interventions aim to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm in hazardous and harmful drinkers who are not actively seeking help for alcohol problems. Interventions usually take the form of a conversation with a primary care provider and may include feedback on the person’s alcohol use, information about potential harms and benefits of reducing intake, and advice on how to reduce consumption. Discussion informs the development of a personal plan to help reduce consumption. Brief interventions can also include behaviour change or motivationally-focused counselling.
This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2007.
RPR Commentary
Screening and brief interventions for unhealthy levels of alcohol use in primary care settings are effective for reducing alcohol intake. A number of screening instruments are available. Evidence-based brief interventions have generally included: feedback on the screening outcome plus structured advice about potential risks of heavy drinking and ways to reduce consumption. Effective feedback and advice has taken several forms including: FRAMES, motivational interviewing, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Brief Negotiated Interview (BNI), and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Some have been backed up by diaries or exercises for the patient to complete at home, and follow-up telephone calls.