Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Versus Extended Internet Intervention for Problem Drinkers

Abstract

Purpose Brief Internet interventions have been shown to reduce alcohol consumption. This trial intended to compare the effects of one such brief intervention to an extended Internet intervention for problem drinkers. Method Using online advertising, 490 participants, 18 years or older, were recruited and randomized to receive a brief (CheckYourDrinking.net) versus an extended (AlcoholHelpCentre.net) Internet intervention and were followed up at 6, 12, and 24 months. The per protocol primary analysis assessed difference between condition at the 12-month follow-up. Results The follow-up rate at 12 months was 83.3 %. ANCOVAs of the primary (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)-C) and secondary outcome variables (drinks in a typical week, highest number of drinks on one occasion—baseline drinking as covariate) revealed no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the interventions. Similarly, combined analyses of the 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up revealed no significant differences between interventions at all time points. Conclusion The present study does not provide support for the added benefit of an extended Internet intervention for problem drinkers over a brief Internet intervention.