Perspectives and future directions.

BACKGROUND

Mechanisms of behavior change (MOBC) in treating drinking problems is a topic of growing importance.

METHODS

This article identifies salient themes presented in talks during the first Annual RSA Satellite on Mechanisms of Behavior Change in Alcoholism Treatment.

RESULTS

Themes focused on the need to move beyond a passive approach to identifying MOBC in alcoholism treatment and a number of conceptual and methodological advances were proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

While a consensus has emerged that more attention should be paid to MOBC in alcoholism treatment research, a subgroup of experts are calling for MOBC to be the primary focus in future efforts.