The addition of a psychological intervention to a home detoxification programme.

AIMS

Home detoxification is a recognized method of treating problem drinkers within their own home environment. The aim of this research is to determine whether a relatively brief psychological intervention adds to its effectiveness.

METHODS

A pragmatic trial with 91 participants randomly assigned to either the psychological intervention or treatment as usual. Community Psychiatric Nurses were trained to administer the brief psychological intervention involving motivational interviewing, coping skills training and social support. A manual was developed in order to standardize the training and implementation.

RESULTS

At the 3 month and 12 month follow-up the psychological intervention resulted in significant positive changes in alcohol consumption, abstinent days, social satisfaction, self-esteem and alcohol-related problems. Further, a cost analysis confirmed that the psychological intervention was a ninth of the cost of inpatient treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding a psychological intervention to a home detoxification programme was successful and cost-effective.