@article{ref1,
title="Benefits of temporary alcohol restriction: a feasibility randomized trial",
journal="Pilot and feasibility studies",
year="2020",
author="Field, Matt and Puddephatt, Jo-Anne and Goodwin, Laura and Owens, Lynn and Reaves, Danielle and Holmes, John",
volume="6",
number="",
pages="e9-e9",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Participation in temporary alcohol abstinence campaigns such as 'Dry January' may prompt enduring reductions in alcohol consumption. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is required to establish any long-term benefits or negative consequences of temporary abstinence. In the present study, we randomized heavy drinkers to complete or intermittent alcohol abstinence for 4 weeks, in order to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a large-scale RCT. <br><br>METHODS: This was a mixed methods feasibility study in which we explored recruitment and retention to a randomized trial, compliance with alcohol abstinence instructions and barriers to compliance, and acceptability of study procedures (primary feasibility outcomes). A community sample of women aged between 40 and 60 who drank in excess of 28 alcohol units per week were randomized to abstain from alcohol for 4 weeks either completely or intermittently (at least four abstinent days per week). To monitor compliance, both groups provided regular breath samples on a cellular breathalyser. A subsample completed a semi-structured interview that probed barriers to compliance with abstinence instructions and acceptability of study procedures. <br><br>RESULTS: Within 5 months, we recruited, screened and randomized 25 participants (20% of participants who responded to advertisements: 14 in the complete abstinence group, 11 in the intermittent abstinence group), 24 of whom were retained throughout the 28-day intervention period. Participants in both groups tended to comply with the instructions: the median number of breathalyser-verified abstinent days was 24 (IQR = 15.5-25.0; 86% of target) in the complete abstinence group versus 12 (IQR = 10-15; 75% of target) in the intermittent abstinence group. Semi-structured interviews identified some barriers to compliance and methodological issues that should be considered in future research. No adverse events were reported. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to recruit heavy drinking women from community settings and randomize them to either complete or intermittent abstinence from alcohol for 4 weeks. The majority of participants were retained in the study and compliance with the abstinence instructions was good, albeit imperfect. A comprehensive RCT to compare temporary alcohol abstinence with other alcohol reduction strategies on long-term alcohol consumption is feasible. <br><br>FINDINGS from such a trial would inform implementation of alcohol campaigns and interventions.<br><br>© The Author(s). 2020.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2055-5784",
doi="10.1186/s40814-020-0554-y",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40814-020-0554-y"
}