Disorders - Alcohol Use
Emmers, E, Bekkering, G. E., Hannes, K.
Background: Systematic reviews have evaluated a wide variety of programmes aiming to prevent, reduce or delay substance use in adolescents. This paper presents an overview of recent systematic reviews, summarising the evidence on the effectiveness of prevention strategies which target adolescents misusing alcohol and/or drugs. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search in major electronic databases, consulted websites and checked reference lists of relevant articles. Studies that met our inclusion criteria were critically appraised using the AMSTAR instrument. The findings from the included systematic reviews were synthesised using a vote counting procedure. Results: Twenty-one systematic reviews were identified. Ten of these were rated as of high quality. There was little overlap between reviews in terms of the target group, intervention, setting and outcome measures. The components or mechanisms of the prevention programmes were poorly described. Ten reviews evaluated school-based prevention. The effects of these prevention programmes are promising, while effects of community-based, family-based and multifaceted programmes were less convincing. Conclusion: Based on the current evidence, there is a small but consistent positive effect of school-based prevention programmes, but it is less clear what the "active ingredient" is. For example, which group should one target, in which setting and in which circumstances? A set of standardised process and outcome measures would allow us to better compare and statistically pool the results of original studies and reviews. This overview of reviews, like similar other overviews, should encourage researchers to increase uniformity and consistency between studies. This would improve the comparability of evidence, which is needed to formulate valid recommendations for practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract).
Nordic Studies on Alcohol & Drugs, 32(2) : 183-198
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Substance Use Disorders (any), Alcohol Use
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: Universal prevention
, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions (any)
Dvorak, R. D., Pearson, M. R., Neighbors, C., Martens, M. P.
Objective: Heavy alcohol use remains a consistent public health concern on college campuses. The current pilot study used deviance regulation theory (DRT) to modify protective behavioral strategies (PBS) among college student drinkers to reduce alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Method: The sample was comprised of current college student drinkers (n = 76; 53.95% female) ranging in age from 18-24 (M = 19.29, SD = 1.42). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a positively or negatively framed message. They then reported on use of alcohol PBS (via the Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale), alcohol consumption (via the Modified Daily Drinking Questionnaire), and alcohol-related consequences (via the Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire) each week for 6 weeks. Results and Conclusions: Among drinkers with low PBS use norms, a positively, versus a negatively, framed message resulted in increased PBS use and consequently less alcohol consumption and fewer alcohol-related consequences. Among drinkers with high PBS use norms, a negatively, versus positively, framed message resulted in increased PBS use and consequently lower alcohol consumption and fewer alcohol-related consequences. However, these effects were only relevant among those who strongly believed the DRT frame. Findings suggest assigning drinkers to frames based on perceived PBS use norms and increasing belief in the frame may be 1 approach to increasing responsible drinking patterns among college students. Furthermore, the current data suggests important boundary conditions for norm-based interventions.
Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 83(3) : 482-493
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions (any)
, Other Psychological Interventions
Edwards, S. M., Tuliao, A. P., McGrath, A., McChargue, D. E.
Despite decades of research efforts aimed at reducing harm associated with college drinking, alcohol- related harmhas not significantly declined. (Hingson, Zha, & Weitzman, 2009). Protective behavioral strategies appear to be more related to alcohol-related harm reduction (e.g., Martens et al., 2008) than the reduction of alcohol consumption (Ray, Turrisi, Abar, & Peters, 2009), the current study examined the feasibility of a brief intervention in increasing the usage of protective behavioral strategies (PBS), reducing alcohol consumption, and experiencing fewer negative alcohol-related consequences during high risk drinking events. PBS are cognitive and behavioral strategies used to limit alcohol consumption and/or reduce negative consequences from drinking. Participants included 161 college students who had at least one drinking occasion in the past 30 days. Participants completed a baseline assessment 3-5 days prior to the experiment weekend and then randomly assigned to receive either a text-message prompt once each day on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday or an assessment only condition. The text-message prompt instructed participants to "Think of and use the protective strategies you believe would be useful in keeping you safe if you decide to go out 'partying'" and was sent on Thursday and Friday evening and Saturday morning. A follow-up assessment including a daily diary record of alcohol drinking, protective strategy use, and negative alcohol-related consequences was completed within 3 days following the experiment weekend. Data was restricted to only participants that used alcohol during the intervention weekend. After controlling for amount of use, results suggest that those in the text-messaging group reported significantly higher utilization of PBS and significantly lower reported negative alcohol-related consequences as compared with the non-text-messaging group. Overall, the results indicate the participants that received a text-message prompting PBS usage prior to high-risk drinking events, reported more PBS usage, which had a direct effect on the likelihood of experiencing negative consequences.
Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 39 : 23A
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions (any)
, Other Psychological Interventions
Dennhardt, A. A., Yurasek, A. M., Murphy, J. G.
The present study examined (1) the impact of a brief substance use intervention on delay discounting and indices of substance reward value (RV), and (2) whether baseline values and posttreatment change in these behavioral economic variables predict substance use outcomes. Participants were 97 heavy drinking college students (58.8% female, 41.2% male) who completed a brief motivational intervention (BMI) and then were randomized to one of two conditions: a supplemental behavioral economic intervention that attempted to increase engagement in substance-free activities associated with delayed rewards (SFAS) or an Education control (EDU). Demand intensity, and Omax, decreased and elasticity significantly increased after treatment, but there was no effect for condition. Both baseline values and change in RV, but not discounting, predicted substance use outcomes at 6-month follow-up. Students with high RV who used marijuana were more likely to reduce their use after the SFAS intervention. These results suggest that brief interventions may reduce substance reward value, and that changes in reward value are associated with subsequent drinking and drug use reductions. High RV marijuana users may benefit from intervention elements that enhance future time orientation and substance-free activity participation.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 103(1) : 125-140
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions (any)
, Motivational interviewing, includes Motivational Enhancing Therapy, Psychoeducation, Other Psychological Interventions
Conroy, D., Sparks, P., de-Visser, R.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a mental simulation intervention designed to reduce student alcohol consumption by asking participants to imagine potential positive outcomes of and/or strategic processes involved in not drinking during social occasions.
DESIGN: English university students aged 18-25 years (n = 211, Mage = 20 years) were randomly allocated to one of four intervention conditions. The dependent variables were weekly alcohol consumption, heavy episodic drinking (HED) frequency and frequency of social occasions at which participants did not drink alcohol when others were drinking alcohol ('episodic non-drinking'). Measures of alcohol-related prototypes (i.e., prototypical non-drinker, prototypical regular drinker) were used to compute sociability prototype difference scores as a potential mediator of any intervention effects. All measures were taken at baseline and at 2- and 4-week follow-up.
METHODS: Participants completed one of four exercises involving either imagining positive outcomes of non-drinking during a social occasion (outcome condition); imagining strategies required for non-drinking during a social occasion (process condition); imagining both positive outcomes and required strategies (combined condition); or completing a drinks diary task (control condition).
RESULTS: Latent growth curve analyses revealed a more substantial rate of decrease in weekly unit consumption and HED frequency among outcome condition and process condition participants, relative to control condition participants. Non-significant differences were found between the combined condition and the control condition. Across the whole sample, an inverted U-shape trend indicated an initial increase in episodic non-drinking before it returned to baseline levels.
CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence that mental simulation interventions focused on non-drinking can successfully promote behaviour change. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? UK drinking recommendations advise two 'dry days' per week (NHS, 2014). Benefits of, and strategies involved in, social non-drinking exist (Conroy & de Visser, 2014). Mental simulation interventions may help reduce student drinking (Hagger, Lonsdale, & Chatzisarantis, 2012; Hagger, Lonsdale, Koka et al., 2012). What does this study add? Demonstrates efficacy of a novel 'non-drinking' mental simulation exercise. Suggests that healthier alcohol prototypes can be encouraged via a health promotion intervention. Shows potential utility of 'episodic non-drinking' as an indicator of health-adherent drinking.
British journal of health psychology, 20(4) : 688-707
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions (any)
, Other Psychological Interventions
Croom, K., Staiano-Coico, L., Lesser, M. L., Lewis, D. K., Reyna, V. F., Marchell, T. C., Frank, J., Ives, S.
This research extends the growing literature about online alcohol prevention programs for first-year college students. Two independent randomized control studies, conducted at separate universities, evaluated the short-term effectiveness of Alcohol-Wise, an online alcohol prevention program not previously studied. It was hypothesized the prevention program would increase alcohol knowledge and reduce alcohol consumption, including high-risk alcohol-related behaviors, among first-year college students. At both universities, the intervention significantly increased alcohol-related knowledge. At one university, the prevention program also significantly reduced alcohol consumption and high-risk drinking behaviors, such as playing drinking games, heavy drinking, and extreme ritualistic alcohol consumption. Implications for the use of online alcohol prevention programs and student affairs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract).
Journal of Health Communication, 20(6) : 627-638
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions (any)
, Psychoeducation, Personalised feedback, normative feedback
, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Cunningham, R. M., Chermack, S. T., Ehrlich, P. F., Carter, P. M., Booth, B. M., Blow, F. C., Barry, K. L., Walton, M. A.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the efficacy of emergency department (ED)-based brief interventions (BIs), delivered by a computer or therapist, with and without a post-ED session, on alcohol consumption and consequences over 12 months. METHODS: Patients (ages 14-20 years) screening positive for risky drinking were randomized to: BI (n = 277), therapist BI (n = 278), or control (n = 281). After the 3-month follow-up, participants were randomized to receive a post-ED BI session or control. Incorporating motivational interviewing, the BIs addressed alcohol consumption and consequences, including driving under the influence (DUI), and alcohol-related injury, as well as other concomitant drug use. The computer BI was an offline, Facebook-styled program. RESULTS: Among 4389 patients screened, 1054 patients reported risky drinking and 836 were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. Regression models examined the main effects of the intervention conditions (versus control) and the interaction effects (ED condition × post-ED condition) on primary outcomes. The therapist and computer BIs significantly reduced consumption at 3 months, consequences at 3 and 12 months, and prescription drug use at 12 months; the computer BI reduced the frequency of DUI at 12 months; and the therapist BI reduced the frequency of alcohol-related injury at 12 months. The post-ED session reduced alcohol consequences at 6 months, benefiting those who had not received a BI in the ED. CONCLUSIONS: A single-session BI, delivered by a computer or therapist in the ED, shows promise for underage drinkers. Findings for the fully automated stand-alone computer BI are particularly appealing given the ease of future implementation.
Pediatrics, 136(4) : e783-e793
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions (any)
, Motivational interviewing, includes Motivational Enhancing Therapy, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
de-Oliveira-Christoff, A, Boerngen-Lacerda, R.
The prevalence of alcohol and other drug use is high among college students. Reducing their consumption will likely be beneficial for society as a whole. Computer and web-based interventions are promising for providing behaviorally based information. The present study compared the efficacy of three interventions (computerized screening and motivational intervention [ASSIST/MBIc], non-computerized screening and motivational intervention [ASSIST/MBIi], and screening only [control]) in college students in Curitiba, Brazil. A convenience sample of 458 students scored moderate and high risk on the ASSIST. They were then randomized into the three arms of the randomized controlled trial (ASSIST/MBIc, ASSIST/MBIi [interview], and assessment-only [control]) and assessed at baseline and 3months later. The ASSIST involvement scores decreased at follow-up compared with baseline in the three groups, suggesting that any intervention is better than no intervention. For alcohol, the specific involvement scores decreased to a low level of risk in the three groups and the MBIc group showed a positive outcome compared with control, and the scores for each question were reduced in the two intervention groups compared to baseline. For tobacco, involvement scores decreased in the three groups, but they maintained moderate risk. For marijuana, a small positive effect was observed in the ASSIST/MBIi and control groups. The ASSIST/MBIc may be a good alternative to interview interventions because it is easy to administer, students frequently use such computer-based technologies, and individually tailored content can be delivered in the absence of a counselor. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract).
Addictive Behaviors, 45 : 164-171
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use, Cannabis Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions (any)
, Motivational interviewing, includes Motivational Enhancing Therapy, Other Psychological Interventions, Technology, comparing delivery mode (e.g. online vs. face-to-face)
De-Visser, R. O.
Background: Although most people are aware of government guidelines for alcohol consumption, few have accurate knowledge of these and fewer still use these guidelines to monitor their drinking. Most people also lack accurate knowledge of the alcohol content of the drinks they consume. The aim of the study reported here was to examine whether or not personalized feedback on alcohol consumption based on performance in a drink-pouring task and self-reported alcohol intake would improve university students' knowledge of alcohol consumption guidelines and reduce their alcohol intake. Methods: A quasi-randomized control trial with a 2-month follow-up was conducted with 200 students aged 18 to 37 in the south of England. Participants were allocated to a "pour + feedback" group that completed a drink-pouring task and received personalized feedback, a "pour only" group that completed the drink-pouring task but did not receive feedback, and a control group. Results: At follow-up, participants in the "pour + feedback" group had significantly better knowledge of government guidelines, and significantly lower weekly alcohol intake when compared to the "control" and "pour only" groups. Conclusions: Further refinement of the drink-pouring intervention and feedback is reported in this paper, and assessment of their impact in various populations may lead to better understanding of which elements of personalized feedback have the greatest influence on young people's alcohol use.
Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 39(2) : 317-323
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions (any)
, Personalised feedback, normative feedback
Agabio, R., Trincas, G., Floris, F., Mura, G., Sancassiani, F., Angermeyer, M. C.
Background: Alcohol use in adolescents constitutes a major public health concern. Europe is the heaviest drinking region of the world. Several school-based alcohol prevention programs have been developed but it is not clear whether they are really effective. The present study was aimed at identifying the typology with the best evidence of effectiveness in European studies. Methods: A systematic search of meta-analyses and/or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on interventions school-based prevention programs aimed at preventing alcohol consumption or changing the attitudes to consume alcohol. Results: A meta-analysis published in 2011 and 12 RCTs more recently published were identified. The meta-analysis evaluated 53 RCTs but only 11.3% of them were conducted in Europe. Globally, 23 RCTs (43.4%) showed some evidence of effectiveness, and 30 RCTs (56.6%) did not find significant difference between the groups. According to the conclusions of the meta-analysis, the Unplugged program should be considered as a practice option in Europe. Among the other 12 RCTs, 42% were conducted in Europe. Globally, 7 studies (58.3%) achieved positive results, and 5 studies (41.7%) did not find significant differences or produced a mixed pattern of results. Three of the 5 European trials (60%) used the Unplugged program with positive results. Conclusion: Even if further studies should be conducted to confirm these results, Unplugged appears to be the prevention project with the best evidence of effectiveness in European studies.
Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, 11 : 102-112
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Substance Use Disorders (any), Alcohol Use
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions (any)
Bhochhibhoya, A., Hayes, L., Branscum, P., Taylor, L.
Aims: There are many consequences of binge drinking compared with light or moderate drinking behaviors. The prevalence rate and intensity of binge drinking is highest among the college-aged population. Given the popularity and high use of the Internet among college students, a novel approach for programming is through Internet-based interventions. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of Internet-based interventions targeting binge drinking among the college population. Methods: Eligibility criteria included peer-reviewed articles evaluating Internet-based interventions for binge drinking prevention among college students published between 2000 and 2014. Only English language articles were included. Review articles and articles only explaining intervention pedagogies were not included. After a systematic screening process, a total of 14 articles were included for the final review. Each articlewas read thoroughly in order to extract the following variables: study design and sample size, average age of participants, underpinning theoretical framework, and intervention description and duration. This review also synthesized a methodological assessment with variables such as outcome measures, sample size justification, number of measurements and use of process evaluations. Results: All studies but one reported a significant reduction in the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption and problems related with heavy drinking. Furthermore, Internet-based interventions appeared to be more effective than traditional print-based interventions; however, face-to-face interventions were typically more effective. Conclusions: This review supports using the Internet as a brief intervention approach that can effectively support efforts to reduce binge drinking among college students.
Alcohol & Alcoholism, 50(5) : 526-535
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions (any)
, Motivational interviewing, includes Motivational Enhancing Therapy, Personalised feedback, normative feedback
, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Cadigan, J. M., Martens, M. P., Sher, K. J.
Specific days and events are associated with heavier drinking and more alcohol problems (e.g., spring break, 21st birthday) (Lewis et al., 2008). One event is tailgating prior to a football game, as students engage in hazardous alcohol use at such events than during "typical" drinking (Glassman et al., 2007). Personalized Feedback Interventions (PFIs) provide personalized information regarding alcohol outcomes and have been shown to be efficacious in reducing alcohol use and related-problems (Cadigan et al., 2014; Carey et al., 2012). The current study aimed to examine: (i) the efficacy and feasibility of an event-specific, text-message PFI, and (ii) the extent to which intervention effects sustain to "typical" alcohol outcomes. Participants were 130 college students (71% female; 92% white, M age = 21.01 years) who reported tailgating within the past 30 days and engaging in a binge drinking episode when tailgating in the past year. Participants were recruited via a University-wide email sent to all students and completed baseline measures assessing both "typical" (past 30 days) and tailgating alcohol use. They were randomly assigned to one of two text-message conditions: an event-specific PFI (TXT PFI) where they received personalized information about their tailgating alcohol use, including social norms comparisons, estimated BAC, and their alcohol-related problems; or an alcohol education control condition (TXT ED). The morning of a University of Missouri home football game, participants received the intervention if they responded they were going to tailgate. A total of 95% of participants confirmed they received and read the text-messages. A 1st follow-up was completed the next day to assess tailgating alcohol outcomes (response rate = 100%); 2nd follow-up was completed 30 days post intervention to assess past month "typical" alcohol outcomes (response rate = 99%). Results indicated significant between-group differences for peak BAC when tailgating (p < 0.01) and peak BAC for "typical" alcohol use (p < 0.01), with those in the TXT PFI reporting a lower peak BAC than those in the TXT ED at both follow-ups. There were no significant differences for drinks consumed (p = 0.07) or alcohol-related problems at either follow-up, although there was a low baserate of problems for both conditions. Findings provide preliminary support for the efficacy of an event-specific text-message PFI.
Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 39 : 23A
- Year: 2015
- Problem: Alcohol Use
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions (any)
, Personalised feedback, normative feedback
, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)