Evaluating telehealth and text-based interventions for at-risk drinkers: A pilot study of feasibility and efficacy

Background

At-risk drinking refers to when individuals drink above the recommended guidelines for safe drinking without meeting criteria for severe alcohol use disorder. At-risk drinking is a prevalent, costly public health problem. Effective face-to-face brief interventions for at-risk drinking exist but are not widely available. Digital interventions hold promise to increase access to care and improve treatment for at-risk drinkers.

Objective

This pilot study examined the feasibility and efficacy of a fully remote digital alcohol reduction support service for at-risk drinkers.

Methods

Participants (N = 163; mean age = 46.2 years, 59.5 % female) were recruited via a website and could select between two 8-week interventions: alcohol adaptive text messaging (Text Support, n = 118; 72.4 %) or a hybrid intervention (Coaching, n = 45; 27.6 %) that combined a brief, alcohol behavioral telehealth therapy with digital tools.

Results

Participants selecting Text Support reported significantly lower levels of alcohol consumption, other indicators of alcohol severity, and were significantly more likely to endorse moderation (48.3 % versus 24.4 %) and less likely to endorse abstinence (10.2 % versus 28.9 %) as a drinking goal relative to participants selecting Coaching. Participants across conditions reported significantly reduced drinking from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention period. However, low compliance with outcome measurement limited the efficacy evaluation.

Conclusion

Overall, findings support the feasibility and pilot efficacy of the hybrid intervention. In addition, findings highlight the heterogeneity of at-risk drinkers and suggest that a subgroup may prefer a fully automated digital intervention as opposed to one that includes therapist support.