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Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Versus Extended Internet Intervention for Problem Drinkers.
John A Cunningham1,2,3, Gillian W Shorter4,5,6,7, Michelle Murphy8
1Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. john.cunningham@camh.ca.
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|October 23, 2016
Summary
A brief internet intervention for problem drinkers showed no significant difference compared to an extended version. This study suggests that shorter online programs are as effective for reducing alcohol consumption.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Internet interventions show promise for reducing alcohol consumption.
- Problem drinkers often seek accessible and discreet treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a brief internet intervention against an extended version for problem drinkers.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes of online interventions for alcohol use.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 490 adult participants via online advertising.
- Randomized participants to either a brief or extended internet intervention.
- Assessed outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months using the AUDIT-C and self-reported drinking habits.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C scores) were found between the brief and extended intervention groups at 12 months.
- Secondary outcomes, including typical weekly drinks and highest drinks on one occasion, also showed no significant differences.
- Analyses across all follow-up points (6, 12, and 24 months) confirmed no statistically significant variations between the intervention types.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find evidence that an extended internet intervention offers additional benefits over a brief intervention for problem drinkers.
- Brief online interventions appear to be as effective as longer programs for managing alcohol consumption.
- Findings support the use of concise digital health solutions for alcohol reduction strategies.
