Evaluation of an e-therapy program for problem drinkers: a pilot study

An e-therapy program with therapist involvement for problem drinkers was evaluated in a population of 527 Dutch-speaking patients. In a pre-post design weekly alcohol consumption, alcohol-consumption-related health problems, and motivation were assessed. Although the dropout rate was high, patients showed a significant decrease of alcohol consumption and alcohol-consumption-related health complaints. Patients' satisfaction with the e-therapy program was high. The e-therapy program proved to be feasible and attracted patients who were otherwise unlikely to seek help. A randomized controlled trial has to provide more information about reasons for dropout, effectiveness, and the population that benefits most from the e-therapy program. The study's limitations are noted.