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Controlled studies of brief alcohol counseling in emergency departments (EDs) have yielded mixed results. This ED study involved 494 patients who were identified by screening as consuming risky amounts of alcohol (mean, 12–14 drinks weekly) or as having injuries related to alcohol use. Patients were randomized to receive either brief negotiated interviews (<10 minutes) by ED practitioners or scripted discharge instructions (<1 minute) addressing alcohol use that were read by emergency practitioners and were supplemented by a handout. Individuals who were identified as likely to be alcohol- or drug-dependent were excluded.
At 12 months (follow-up rate, 92%) alcohol consumption declined in both groups, but between-group differences were not si…