@article{ref1,
title="Alcohol use disorder and comorbid depression: a randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of supportive text messages in aiding recovery",
journal="Alcohol and alcoholism",
year="2019",
author="O'Reilly, Helen and Hagerty, Aisling and O'Donnell, Seamus and Farrell, Aoife and Hartnett, Dan and Murphy, Edel and Kehoe, Elizabeth and Agyapong, Vincent and McLoughlin, Declan M. and Farren, Conor",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="AIM: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the impact of daily supportive text messages over a 6-month treatment period on mood and alcohol consumption in individuals with a dual diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression following completion of an inpatient treatment programme. <br><br>METHOD: Ninety-five adult participants with AUD and comorbid depression were recruited into this randomized control trial, which took place after completing a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (n = 47) received twice-daily supportive text messages over 6-months while control participants (n = 48) had treatment as usual for a 6-month period, with an added 6-month post-treatment follow-up for both groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were measured at baseline, 3- and 6-month treatment points and 6-month post treatment follow up. <br><br>RESULTS: Depression scores (P = 0.02) and perceived stress scores (P < 0.01) were significantly reduced at 3-month treatment point in the intervention group relative to control participants with small to medium effect. The intervention group also showed a significantly greater reduction in units per drinking day from baseline to 6-month treatment point compared to the control group with a medium effect size (P = 0.03). There were no differences in drinking or mood measures at 6-month post treatment follow-up. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Supportive text messages provide an early initial benefit in decreasing symptoms of depression and stress, with a further positive impact on alcohol consumption following a longer treatment period. Benefits did not persist six months after the intervention ended.<br><br>© The Author(s) 2019. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0735-0414",
doi="10.1093/alcalc/agz060",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agz060"
}