IngentaConnect THE ADDITION OF A PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION TO A HOME DETOXIFICA...

Authors: T. ALWYN¹; B. JOHN²; R. J. HODGSON³; C. J. PHILLIPS⁴

Source: Alcohol and Alcoholism, Volume 39, Number 6, November 2004 , pp. 536-541(6)

Abstract:

Aims: Home detoxification is a recognized method of treating problem drinkers within their own home environment. The aim of this research is to determine whether a relatively brief psychological intervention adds to its effectiveness. Methods: A pragmatic trial with 91 participants randomly assigned to either the psychological intervention or treatment as usual. Community Psychiatric Nurses were trained to administer the brief psychological intervention involving motivational interviewing, coping skills training and social support. A manual was developed in order to standardize the training and implementation. Results: At the 3 month and 12 month follow-up the psychological intervention resulted in significant positive changes in alcohol consumption, abstinent days, social satisfaction, self-esteem and alcohol-related problems. Further, a cost analysis confirmed that the psychological intervention was a ninth of the cost of inpatient treatment. Conclusions: Adding a psychological intervention to a home detoxification programme was successful and cost-effective.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agh092

Affiliations: 1: Centre for Psychology, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Llandaf campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, 2: Inter-professional studies, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, Wales, 3: Alcohol Education Research Council, London, UK and 4: School of Health Sciences, University of Wales, Swansea, Wales

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THE ADDITION OF A PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION TO A HOME DETOXIFICATION PROGRAMME