A randomized controlled trial of an internet-based intervention for alcohol abusers.
OBJECTIVE
Misuse of alcohol imposes a major public health cost, yet few problem drinkers are willing to access in-person services for alcohol abuse. The development of brief, easily accessible ways to help problem drinkers who are unwilling or unable to seek traditional treatment services could therefore have significant public health benefit. The objective of this project is to conduct a randomized controlled evaluation of the internet-based Check Your Drinking (CYD) screener ( http://www.CheckYourDrinking.net).


METHODS
Participants (n = 185) recruited through a general telephone population survey were assigned randomly to receive access to the CYD, or to a no-intervention control group.


RESULTS
Follow-up rates were excellent (92%). Problem drinkers provided access to the CYD displayed a six to seven drinks reduction in their weekly alcohol consumption (a 30% reduction in typical weekly drinking) at both the 3- and 6-month follow-ups compared to a one drink per week reduction among control group respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
The CYD is one of a growing number of internet-based interventions with research evidence supporting its efficacy to reduce alcohol consumption. The internet could increase the range of help-seeking options available because it takes treatment to the problem drinker rather than making the problem drinker come to treatment.
Cunningham
John A
JA
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. john_cunningham@camh.net
Wild
T Cameron
TC
Cordingley
Joanne
J
van Mierlo
Trevor
T
Humphreys
Keith
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult