Efficacy of a minimally guided internet treatment for alcohol misuse and emotional problems in young adults: Results of a randomized controlled trial

Frohlich JR, Rapinda KK, Schaub MP, Wenger A, Baumgartner C, Johnson EA, O'Connor RM, Vincent N, Blankers M, Ebert D, Hadjistavropoulos HD, Mackenzie CS, Wardell JD, Augsburger M, Goldberg JO, Keough MT (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Addictive Behaviors Reports Elsevier

Article Number: 100390

DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100390

Abstract

Objective: Many young adults struggle with comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems (i.e., depression and anxiety). However, there is currently a paucity of evidence-based, integrated, accessible treatment options for individuals with these comorbidities. The main goal of this study was to examine efficacy of a novel online, minimally guided, integrated program for comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems in young adults. Method: The study was an open-label two-arm RCT. Participants (N = 222, Mage = 24.6, 67.6% female) were randomized to one of two conditions: the Take Care of Me program (an 8-week, online integrated treatment condition consisting of 12 modules), or an online psychoeducational control condition. Intervention modules incorporated content based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Participants completed assessment data at baseline, at the end of treatment (i.e., 8 weeks), and at follow-up (i.e., 24 weeks). Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. Results: We observed that participants in the treatment condition showed larger reductions in depression, hazardous drinking, as well as increases in psychological quality of life and confidence at the end of treatment. We did not find group differences on total alcohol use at follow-up, but participants in the treatment group reduced their hazardous drinking and improved their quality of life at 24-week follow-up. Conclusions: Our study provides promising initial evidence for the first iteration of the comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems online program.

Authors with CRIS profile

David Ebert Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie

Involved external institutions

Concordia University CA Canada (CA) University of Manitoba CA Canada (CA) University of Zurich / Universität Zürich (UZH) CH Switzerland (CH) University of Amsterdam NL Netherlands (NL) University of Regina CA Canada (CA) York University CA Canada (CA)

How to cite

APA:

Frohlich, J.R., Rapinda, K.K., Schaub, M.P., Wenger, A., Baumgartner, C., Johnson, E.A.,... Keough, M.T. (2021). Efficacy of a minimally guided internet treatment for alcohol misuse and emotional problems in young adults: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Addictive Behaviors Reports. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2021.100390

MLA:

Frohlich, Jona R., et al. "Efficacy of a minimally guided internet treatment for alcohol misuse and emotional problems in young adults: Results of a randomized controlled trial." Addictive Behaviors Reports (2021).

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