Behavioural self-management with problem drinkers: One-year follow-up of a controlled drinking group treatment approach

Abstract

The present study tested the effectiveness of a German behavioural self-control training (BSCT) for subgroups of drinkers differentiated by sex, ICD-10 diagnosis, and severity of dependence. Hazardous, harmful, and dependent drinkers were recruited through local mass media or referred by other treatment agencies. N = 53 subjects (60% men, mean age 48.9 years, 76% employed, 64% alcohol dependent) participated in 10 weekly group treatment sessions and were assessed at intake, end of treatment, and 1-year follow-up (with 81% successfully contacted). Improvements made during BSCT remained stable over the 1-year follow-up period with 52% of subjects classified as improved (8% abstinent, 44% with a decline in alcohol consumption of at least 30%). In women, alcohol abusers and low dose drinkers (<800 g ethanol/w), alcohol intake had declined less than in men, alcohol dependent subjects, and high dose drinkers (>800 g/w). This study, as others, indicates that alcohol dependence in itself is no contraindication for controlled drinking (CD) treatment.

• Behavioural self-control training
• controlled drinking
• implementation