Citation

Burge SK, Amodei N, Elkin B, Catala S, Andrew SR, Lane PA, Seale JP. Addiction 1997; 92(12): 1705-1716.

Affiliation

Department of Family Practice, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9581003

Abstract

AIMS: This study examined the effects of two primary care interventions (a physician intervention and a clinic-based psychoeducational group) on drinking patterns, psychosocial problems and blood test results (MCV, GGT, SGOT and SGPT). DESIGN: Subjects were randomized into one of four treatment groups: physician intervention, psychoeducation, both interventions, or no intervention. Follow-up data were collected at 12 and 18 months. SETTING: Subjects were recruited from a family practice outpatient clinic managed by a public hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Included 175 Mexican-American female and male primary care patients who screened positive for alcohol abuse or dependence. These patients were not seeking help for alcohol problems. INTERVENTIONS: Included a brief physician intervention and a 6-week patient psychoeducational group. MEASUREMENTS: The Diagnostic Interview Schedule assessed subjects for alcohol abuse; the Addiction Severity Index measured alcohol-related problems, including psychosocial issues. FINDINGS: All four treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement over time, with few differences between intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment can be confounded with brief interventions; future investigators should use non-assessed control groups.

Language: en