A brief summary of alcohol intervention research at West Virginia University from 1998-2003

Injury resulting in death and disability and alcohol-related problems are two major problems in West Virginia, yet few effective preventive strategies are available. A relatively simple and effective preventive strategy, appropriate for all health care providers, can help to alter excessive alcohol consumption and its resulting harm and consequences. Over the past five years, a series of alcohol intervention projects have been conducted in the Emergency Department at West Virginia University Hospital and other medical settings. Short motivational counseling sessions, which are referred to as screening and brief intervention (SBI), were tailored to each patient's needs. SBI is a secondary prevention strategy used to help persons identified with alcohol problems to decrease their drinking and reduce the harm caused by alcohol. To date, 90% of the nearly 8,000 eligible patients have consented to participate in these studies. Follow-up rates have ranged between 45% and 61%. This article describes the methodologies and results of our SBI studies and their relevance to West Virginia health care providers.