What Types of Brief Interventions for Alcohol Problems Work Best in Primary Care?

Although the value of brief interventions for reducing alcohol-related problems has been established in primary-care settings, exactly which intervention might best succeed remains unclear. These researchers randomized 29 U.K. primary-care practices to offer one of three interventions to suitable patients with drinking problems.

After screening positive for hazardous or harmful drinking, 756 patients entered the study. All were informed about the screening results and received an educational booklet that included both Web-based and local resources. Group 1 received no other services. Group 2 patients also received 5 minutes of structured brief advice. Group 3 patients received structured advice and were asked to make an appointment within 2 …