Randomized controlled trial of a brief versus extended Internet intervention for problem drinkers

AbstractPurpose Brief Internet interventions have been shown toreduce alcohol consumption. This trial intended to comparethe effects of one such brief intervention to an extendedInternet intervention for problem drinkers.Method Using online advertising, 490 participants, 18 yearsor older, were recruited and randomized to receive abrief (CheckYourDrinking.net) versus an extended(AlcoholHelpCentre.net) Internet intervention and werefollowed up at 6, 12, and 24 months. The per protocolprimary analysis assessed difference between condition atthe 12-month follow-up.Results The follow-up rate at 12 months was 83.3 %.ANCOVAs of the primary (Alcohol Use Disorder IdentificationTest (AUDIT)-C) and secondary outcome variables (drinks in atypical week, highest number of drinks on one occasion—baselinedrinking as covariate) revealed no significant (p > 0.05) differencesbetween the interventions. Similarly, combined analysesof the 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up revealed no significantdifferences between interventions at all time points.Conclusion The present study does not provide support forthe added benefit of an extended Internet intervention forproblem drinkers over a brief Internet intervention.