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Counselling problem drinkers in medical wards: a controlled study
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|March 30, 1985
Summary
This study found that brief nursing counseling significantly reduced alcohol consumption in problem drinkers. Early intervention through systematic screening and advice is effective before irreversible health issues arise.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Problem drinking affects many individuals admitted to medical wards.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing alcoholism.
- Many problem drinkers do not receive prior treatment for alcoholism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify problem drinkers without prior alcoholism treatment who possess social support.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of brief nursing counseling versus routine care for reducing alcohol consumption.
- To determine if early advice on drinking habits impacts long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Interviewed 731 men admitted to medical wards to identify problem drinkers.
- 161 men met diagnostic criteria and were followed up.
- Allocated participants into a counseling group (nurse-led advice) and a control group (routine care).
Main Results:
- Both groups showed reduced alcohol consumption at 12-month follow-up.
- The group receiving nursing counseling demonstrated significantly better outcomes.
- Early intervention with advice proved effective in reducing alcohol intake.
Conclusions:
- Systematic screening for alcohol consumption should be routine in medical assessments.
- Nurse-led counseling on drinking habits is effective for problem drinkers.
- Intervention is most effective before irreversible physical or psychosocial problems develop.