Brief or minimal intervention for 'alcoholics'? The evidence suggests otherwise

Abstract

The evidence on the relative impact of intensive intervention(s) and brief advice for alcoholic populations has been interpreted as indicating that there is little advantage for the intensive form of treatment over brief advice. The current review suggests that this conclusion is based on studies with serious and important methodological flaws, and that a slightly different, qualified interpretation is appropriate. There is evidence that intensive intervention does benefit alcohol-dependent patients, although it seems likely that the less alcohol-dependent (problem or excessive) drinkers do not require such intense intervention(s). There is also reasonable evidence that at the end of intervening with people with alcohol problems there should be some continued assistance (ie 'aftercare') available to extend the intervention, and this assistance should be structured and scheduled.