Evaluation of a controlled drinking minimal intervention for problem drinkers in general practice (the DRAMS scheme)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• General Practice

Background:

• Problem drinking is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions in primary care.
• The Scottish Health Education Group developed the DRAMS (drinking reasonably and moderately with self-control) scheme as a minimal intervention for heavy drinkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the DRAMS scheme compared to simple advice and no intervention in heavy or problem drinkers.
• To assess changes in alcohol consumption, liver function (serum gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase), and overall health and well-being.

Main Methods:

• A controlled trial involving 104 heavy or problem drinkers randomly assigned to the DRAMS scheme, simple advice, or a control group.
• Six-month follow-up data collected on alcohol consumption and health markers.
• Statistical analysis comparing outcomes between the three groups.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in alcohol consumption reduction between groups.
• The DRAMS group showed a significantly greater reduction in logarithmic serum gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase compared to the advice-only group.
• Overall, the sample showed significant reductions in alcohol consumption, improved physical health, and decreased liver enzyme levels.

Conclusions:

• The DRAMS scheme may offer benefits for liver enzyme reduction in problem drinkers, even with low completion rates.
• Minimal interventions in general practice warrant further research for managing alcohol-related issues.
• Further investigation is needed to optimize the delivery and adherence to such schemes.