Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Alcohol Intervention Group for Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 206702
• Journal: Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 157-166
• Author(s): Kylie A. Bailey; Amanda L. Baker; Rosemary A. Webster; Terry J. Lewin
• Date Published: June 2004
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This Australian study tested the feasibility of using brief motivational interviewing and a cognitive-behavioral strategy with youth at risk of developing alcohol problems; the short-term effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated.

Abstract

A total of 34 youth were recruited from a youth service on the central coast of New South Wales (Australia). Youth in this area are considered to be at higher risk for alcohol-related problems due to the generally low socioeconomic status of the area. Participants ranged in age from 12 to 19. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to a group intervention of four sessions (AIG), and half were assigned to receive no treatment (control group). The Readiness to Change Questionnaire, items from the AUDIT, the DAP Quick Screen, and a knowledge questionnaire were administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 1 month and 2 months after completing the program. For the intervention group, session topics included basic information about standard drinks, short-term and long-term effects of alcohol consumption, participant attitudes toward drinking, setting limits on drinking, and alcohol-refusal skills. The participants in the AIG program showed an increase in their readiness to reduce their alcohol consumption and reduce their frequency of drinking at posttreatment and the first follow-up assessment. The control group reported increases in drinking at the second follow-up assessment. The control group also increased their hazardous drinking and frequency of binge drinking compared to the AIG. The intervention apparently improved the AIG participants' knowledge about alcohol and its effects. These results thus provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of the AIG program in conditioning youth to set limits on their alcohol consumption and increase their awareness of safe drinking levels and the effects of alcohol abuse. The study also indicated that youth identified as being "at risk" of developing alcohol abuse and who are ambivalent about changing drinking behaviors can be recruited and retained in a treatment program. 2 tables and 36 references