Addiction Risk: The Influence of Mindset Induction on the Effect of a Brief Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Use

Research Group RISKDYNAMICS, Sub-Project 8, Work Package 1, Study 2: Addiction Risk: The Influence of Mindset Induction on the Effect of a Brief Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Use

Brief Interventions (BI) based on Motivational Interviewing are effective to reduce alcohol use. In this study the investigators test the hypothesis that that an open Mindset increases the positive effects of BI.

Patients who are newly admitted to the psychotherapy outpatient clinic are routinely screened for risky alcohol use. All patients with risky alcohol use are eligible to the study and all receive the WHO's ASSIST-linked BI.

Participants receive a brief Mindset induction prior to receiving BI. They are are randomly assigned to either the induction of an open or a closed Mindset according to Gollwitzer.

The investigators measure the change in alcohol-related risk perception, treatment motivation and real alcohol drinking.

Inclusion Criteria:

• admitted to treatment at psychotherapy outpatient clinic

Exclusion Criteria:

• alcohol use disorder
• substance use disorder