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Fostering self-change among problem drinkers: a proactive community intervention
L C Sobell1, J A Cunningham, M B Sobell
1Nova Southeastern University, Center for Psychological Studies, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA.
Addictive Behaviors
|November 1, 1996
Summary
This study explores a community-based intervention to help individuals with alcohol problems achieve self-change. It compares a Guided Self-Change (GSC) approach with educational materials for individuals unlikely to seek formal treatment.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Behavioral science
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Many individuals with alcohol problems do not seek formal treatment.
- Natural recovery processes and Guided Self-Change (GSC) models show promise for problem drinkers.
- Community-based interventions can reach individuals hesitant to seek formal help.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the rationale and design of a community-based intervention study.
- To foster self-change in individuals with alcohol problems who avoid formal treatment.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a Guided Self-Change (GSC) model compared to educational materials.
Main Methods:
- Community-based recruitment using advertisements and pamphlets.
- Random assignment to either Guided Self-Change (GSC) or Educational Materials Control (EMC) groups.
- Assessment via mailed forms with personalized feedback for the GSC group.
Main Results:
- Subject characteristics and drinking history for the initial 10% of the sample are presented.
- The study is designed to follow up with subjects at 12 months post-intervention.
- Preliminary data on participant demographics and drinking patterns are available.
Conclusions:
- The study design aims to provide accessible self-change support for alcohol problems.
- Findings will inform the development of effective, non-traditional interventions for alcohol abuse.
- The comparison between GSC and EMC will clarify the benefits of personalized feedback.