Web-based CBT4CBT for Alcohol

Ninety alcohol using individuals seeking treatment at the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit (SATU) of the Connecticut Mental Health Center will be randomized to (1) standard outpatient counseling at SATU (typically consisting of weekly group counseling), (2) standard outpatient counseling plus web-based CBT, or (3) web-based CBT4CBT with minimal clinical monitoring. Treatments will be delivered over an 8-week period with a six-month follow-up after termination of the study treatments. The primary outcome measures will be reduction in alcohol use (frequency of alcohol use by time, confirmed by urine toxicology screens and breathalyzers). Secondary outcomes will include treatment utilization and cost, several measures intended to detect whether web-based CBT4CBT retains key characteristics of traditional clinician-administered CBT (e.g., acquisition of coping skills, use of change strategies), participant characteristics which will be evaluated as potential moderators of outcome, as well as participant satisfaction and treatment credibility.

Inclusion criteria

• Are 18 years of age or older.
• Are applying for outpatient, non-agonist substance abuse treatment at SATU.
• Meet current DSM-IV criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.
• Are sufficiently stable for 8 weeks of outpatient treatment.
• Can commit to 8 weeks of treatment and are willing to be randomized to treatment
• Are willing to provide locator information for follow-up.
• Are fluent in English and have a 6th grader or higher reading level

Exclusion criteria

• Have an untreated bipolar or schizophrenic disorder.
• Who have a current legal case pending such that incarceration during 8-week protocol is likely.
• Are physically dependent on alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines