Talk Therapy by Phone to Promote Treatment for Alcohol Problems

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment by Phone to Promote Use of Alcohol Related Care and Reduce Drinking

A small percentage of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) obtain alcohol-related care despite research showing that treatment is effective. This randomized controlled trial tests the efficacy of a brief, phone based cognitive behavioral intervention to increase treatment engagement, improve alcohol related outcomes, and show that treatment engagement is a mechanism for the improved outcomes in individuals with AUD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18-plus;
• score ≥ 16 on AUDIT;
• within the past 30 days, exceeding the limits for low-risk drinking adopted by NIAAA: >3 standard drinks on any occasion or >7 drinks per week (women); >4 drinks on any occasion or >14 drinks per week (men).

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to communicate with the researcher in English;
• unable to comprehend the nature of the study;
• history of alcohol-related care;
• alcohol withdrawal necessitating medical evaluation;
• residency outside of The Greater Rochester Area.