Evaluation of a treatment programme for alcohol-related aggression.
BACKGROUND
The development of effective treatments for alcohol-related aggression and violence is important in binge drinking cultures, as in parts of the UK.Aim The aim was to evaluate the progress and experience of 10 participants in Control of Violence for Angry Impulsive Drinkers (COVAID) using a single case methodology.


METHODS
Participants completed 10 individual weekly sessions with trained facilitators following the COVAID manual. Change scores on psychometric questionnaires were examined by calculating clinical significance and reliability of change. Self-reports of alcohol consumption and aggression were examined. Follow-up data on convictions were collected. Participants were asked their opinions about COVAID.


RESULTS
Scores on the Alcohol-Related Aggression Questionnaire (ARAQ) improved for nine participants; change was both clinically significant and reliable in five cases. Nine participants improved on the Controlled Drinking Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSES), with seven showing clinically significant improvement. Six participants reported a reduction in alcohol consumption from the first to the second half of the programme. At a mean of 29 weeks post-treatment, none of the participants had been reconvicted for a violent offence. Participants reported finding COVAID useful and interesting.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, our findings support the possibility that COVAID may assist in reducing alcohol-related violence and violent offending.
McCulloch
Anna
A
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. Mary.McMurran@nottingham.ac.uk
McMurran
Mary
M
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011594:Psychometrics; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control*