Citation

Boß L, Lehr D, Schaub MP, Castro RP, Riper H, Berking M, Ebert DD. Addiction 2018; 113(4): 635-646.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/add.14085

PMID

29105879

Abstract

AIMS: To test the efficacy of a web-based alcohol intervention with and without guidance.

DESIGN: Three parallel groups with primary endpoint after 6 weeks. SETTING: Open recruitment in the German working population. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (178 males/ 256 females, mean age of 47) consuming at least 21/14 weekly standard units of alcohol (SUA) and scoring ≥8/6 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. INTERVENTION: Five web-based modules including personalized normative feedback, motivational interviewing, goal setting, problem solving, and emotion regulation over 5 weeks. One intervention group received an unguided self-help version (n=146) and the second received additional adherence-focused guidance by eCoaches (n=144). Controls were on a waiting list with full access to usual care (n=144). MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was weekly consumed SUA after 6 weeks. SUA after 6 months was examined as secondary outcome, next to numbers of participants drinking within the low-risk range, and general and work-specific mental health measures.

FINDINGS: All groups showed reductions of mean weekly SUA after six weeks (unguided: -8.0; guided: -8.5; control: -3.2). There was no significant difference between the unguided and guided intervention (P=0.37). Participants in the combined intervention group reported significantly fewer SUA than controls (B=-4.85, 95%-CI=-7.02 to -2.68, P<0.001). The intervention groups also showed significant reductions in SUA consumption after six months (B=-5.72, 95%-CI=-7.71 to -3.73, P<0.001) and improvements regarding general and work-related mental health outcomes after six weeks and 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS: A web-based alcohol intervention, administered with or without personal guidance, significantly reduced mean weekly alcohol consumption and improved mental health and work-related outcomes in the German working population.

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Language: en

Keywords

Internet; alcohol; drinking; employee; mental health; occupational health; training; treatment