Helping Problem Drinkers on the Internet

Many problem drinkers never access any treatment services. Because of the individual as well as societal costs of heavy alcohol consumption, it is essential to find ways to intervene and provide assistance to problem drinkers. The Internet takes treatment to problem drinkers rather than requiring them to come to treatment, resulting in increased options for help for alcohol abusers. There is a preponderance of internet websites which are designed for self change in areas that include alcohol use. To date, however, there has been minimal scientific evaluation regarding the efficacy and safety of such programs.

Our own previous research found that we could reduce alcohol consumption by about three drinks per week at a six-month follow-up using a minimal, personalized feedback Internet-based intervention. Building on this, the current project will attempt to increase the impact of Internet-based interventions as well as produce sustained reductions in drinking by adding an extended online self-help service to this already promising minimal intervention. More specifically, this randomized, double blinded study will compare and evaluate the efficacy of two different degrees of treatment intervention for problem drinkers: a minimal one ("Check your Drinking") and a full one ("Alcohol Help Centre").

Inclusion criteria

• Resident of Ontario
• 19 years of age or over
• Have consumed alcohol in the one month prior to the telephone survey.
• Have consumed alcohol in the one month prior to the telephone survey.
• A score of 8 or over on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
• Indicate an interest in receiving self-help materials
• Have home access to the Internet
• Are willing to participate in follow-up at six and twelve month intervals

Exclusion criteria

• None