Monday, March 16, 2009

Brief feedback for alcohol problems

Brief personalized feedback for problem drinkers usually involves asking people about their alcohol consumption, telling them how much their peers drink and offering information on the risks of problem drinking and self-help measures. The feedback has the advantage that it can be offered over the Internet and by email or post without a therapist's guidance. Researchers in the Netherlands reviewed 14 studies into the effectiveness of brief personalized feedback covering a total of 3,682 people. Nine of the studies involved students, four involved members of the general adult population and one took place in the workplace. The review found that for every eight people who received the feedback one cut back on their drinking, a result similar to that when doctors or nurses saw patients. The feedback also had the advantage of being seen as less obtrusive and stigmatising and more convenient.

You can find out more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE52C59A20090313?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews

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