An Outcomes Evaluation of Computerized Treatment for Problem Drinking using Breaking Free Online

Abstract

Online alcohol screening interventions have been developed to address the significant public health and economic costs of alcohol consumption. However, none of these allow access to an extended range of intervention techniques. Therefore, a new online intervention has been developed, Breaking Free Online (BFO), that allows access to a wider range of intervention techniques. This study was an outcomes evaluation examining effectiveness of BFO with 300 service users seeking support for alcohol misuse. Participants completed an online assessment of alcohol consumption and dependence, depression, anxiety and quality of life, and then completed the same assessment following a period of engagement with BFO. Significant reductions were seen in alcohol consumption and dependence, depression and anxiety, and a significant increase in quality of life. This initial outcomes data indicates that BFO delivered as an E-BI may be an effective and cost-effective intervention for treatment of alcohol misuse.

Findings from mixed-methods feasibility and effectiveness evaluations of the “Breaking Free Online” treatment and recovery programme for substance misuse in prisons

“…This programme, Breaking Free Online (BFO), incorporates evidence-based techniques taken from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) (Beck, Wright, Newman, & Liese, 2001;Beck, 2011) alongside ''mindfulness'' approaches (Marlatt, Bowen, Chawla, & Witkiewitz, 2010), and is appropriate for individuals with substance misuse difficulties, in addition to those who are ''dually diagnosed'' with substance misuse and comorbid mental health issues (e.g. Davies, Elison, Ward, & Laudet, 2015;Elison, Davies, & Ward, 2015a;Elison et al, 2014).…”

Using the “recovery” and “rehabilitation” paradigms to support desistance of substance-involved offenders: exploration of dual and multi-focus interventions

“…The BFO programme is appropriate for individuals with substance misuse difficulties, in addition to those who are dually diagnosed (e.g. Davies et al, 2015;Elison et al, 2014;Elison et al, 2015a). BFO is designed to support prisoners to strengthen their resilience and build their 'recovery capital' (Best & Laudet, 2010), through supporting prisoners to develop a range of coping skills and tools based on principals of CBT and mindfulness, and has been demonstrated as effective in a number of populations receiving support for substance misuse in community settings (Elison et al, 2014;Elison et al, 2015aElison et al, , 2015b.…”

“…Davies et al, 2015;Elison et al, 2014;Elison et al, 2015a). BFO is designed to support prisoners to strengthen their resilience and build their 'recovery capital' (Best & Laudet, 2010), through supporting prisoners to develop a range of coping skills and tools based on principals of CBT and mindfulness, and has been demonstrated as effective in a number of populations receiving support for substance misuse in community settings (Elison et al, 2014;Elison et al, 2015aElison et al, , 2015b. The BFO programme also encourages users to engage in mutual aid and other positive non-offending, non-substance using activities in order to facilitate the building of supportive social networks, which may facilitate the process of identity change for individuals using the programme (Best et al, 2008;Best et al, 2015).…”

A Qualitative Exploration of U.K. Prisoners’ Experiences of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Difficulties, and the Breaking Free Health and Justice Interventions

“…The programme has recently been introduced throughout a number of prisons in the North West of England, and is based on a programme previously developed for community settings, for which there is now a growing evidencebase Elison et al, 2013;Elison et al, 2014b;Elison et al, 2014a;Elison et al, 2015aElison et al, , 2015bHogan et al, 2015). The programme incorporates evidence-based techniques taken from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) (Beck et al, 2001;Beck, 2011) alongside 'mindfulness' approaches (Marlatt et al, 2008;Marlatt et al, 2010), and is appropriate for individuals with substance misuse difficulties and those who are dually diagnosed Elison et al, 2013;Elison et al, 2014a;Elison et al, 2014b;Elison et al, 2015a).…”