A comparison of minimal versus intensive controlled drinking treatment interventions for problem drinkers

Thirty-seven problem drinkers with problems of low to moderate severity were randomly allocated to two groups, one receiving 'minimal' treatment of three or four sessions' assessment and advice, and the other 'intensive' treatment of one or more of a selection of individually tailored, cognitive-behavioural therapies lasting an average of 9.1 sessions. The two groups were followed up an average of 15.5 months after termination of treatment. Analysis of covariance revealed that the intensive group reduced consumption significantly more than the minimal group. Also, the intensive group showed a significantly greater increase in the number of days abstinent in the month prior to follow-up. Analysis of covariance also showed that, in spite of their small numbers (n = 7), women increased their days abstinent by a significantly greater amount and reported a significantly greater reduction in number of days drinking between 10 and 20 units. Overall, successful outcome was associated with higher pre-treatment employment and higher alcohol consumption although, given the large numbers of measures, these findings could have occurred by chance.