Guided and Unguided Internet-Based Treatment for Problematic Alcohol Use - A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Behavioral psychology
• Substance abuse treatment

Background:

• Internet-based interventions are increasingly used for problematic alcohol use.
• While automated programs exist, counselor guidance may improve outcomes.
• This study investigates the impact of counselor guidance on an internet-based self-help program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based self-help program for problematic alcohol use.
• To compare outcomes between a self-help only group and groups receiving counselor guidance.
• To determine if counselor guidance enhances alcohol consumption reduction.

Main Methods:

• An 8-module internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program was used.
• 80 participants with problematic alcohol use were randomized into three groups.
• Two groups received internet-based counselor guidance (choice of asynchronous/synchronous or asynchronous only), one did not.

Main Results:

• Participants receiving counselor guidance showed significantly lower alcohol consumption at 10-week follow-up compared to the self-help only group (p=0.001).
• Guidance groups also reported significantly lower Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores (p=0.003).
• A higher proportion of participants in guidance groups would recommend the program.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based self-help programs for problematic alcohol use are more effective with added counselor guidance.
• Counselor guidance improves alcohol consumption reduction over a 10-week period.
• This blended approach shows promise for digital interventions in substance abuse.