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Published on: January 5, 2018
CBT for high anxiety sensitivity: alcohol outcomes
Janine V Olthuis1, Margo C Watt2, Sean P Mackinnon3
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
Introduction:
High anxiety sensitivity (AS) has been associated with greater alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems as well as greater sensitivity to the anxiety-reducing effects of alcohol and greater risky negative reinforcement motives for drinking. The present study reported on the alcohol-related outcomes of a telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) designed to reduce high AS.
Methods:
Eighty individuals with high AS (M age=36 years; 79% women; 76% Caucasian) seeking treatment for their AS-related concerns participated in the study and were randomly assigned to an eight week telephone CBT program or a waiting list control. Participants completed measures of drinking motives and problem drinking at pre- and post-treatment.
Results:
Multilevel modeling showed that the treatment was successful in reducing AS. The treatment also resulted in specific reductions in drinking to cope with anxiety motives as well as physical alcohol-related problems. Mediated moderation analyses showed treatment-related changes in AS mediated changes in drinking to cope with anxiety motives. Changes in drinking to cope with anxiety motives mediated changes in physical alcohol-related problems.
Conclusions:
Results of the present study suggest that an AS-targeted intervention may have implications for reducing risky alcohol use cognitions and behaviors. Further research is needed in a sample of problem drinkers.
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