Efficacy of the telephone-based Brief Motivational Intervention for alcohol problems in Brazil

Abstract

Background: The Brief Motivational Intervention (BMI) is an effective treatment for alcohol misuse but has not been adequately tested for use in helplines for alcoholics. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a telephone-based BMI for Brazilians seeking help with alcohol use cessation. Methods: A randomized, controlled trial was performed with Brazilian subjects. Participants were randomly assigned to either the minimal intervention group (i.e., given reference materials) or the BMI group. Alcohol abstinence was evaluated in a 6-month follow-up telephone counseling session. The analysis was based on the intention to treat (ITT). Results: Of the 5,896 drug users who called the helpline, 700 (12%) used alcohol, 637 of whom enrolled in this study. At 6-month follow-up, 70% of the BMI group had stopped consuming alcohol compared to 41% in the control group (odds ratio = 1.5; 95% confidence interval = 1.2-1.9; p = 0.001). Conclusions: A helpline-based BMI helps alcohol users achieve abstinence.

Alcohol User Profile after a Brief Motivational Intervention in Telephone Follow-up: Evidence Based on Coping Strategies

“…The association of alcohol with another substance such as tobacco or cocaine/crack was small. However, 40% of the sample associate three substances including alcohol, which confirms the data of the latest household surveys in Brazil [3,4,9] One of the limitations of the present study was the significant loss of users during follow-up. The fact that telephone follow-up is also a social support strategy (behavioural strategy) might have played a role in the losses.…”

“…In particular, the profile of the subjects in the present study is similar to that of alcohol users who took part in other researches in Brazil [3,21]. Most users are male, above 25 years old, and use alcohol often or very often.…”

“…Follow-up was scheduled starting from the date the user contacted the centre to quit the drug, i.e., 1, 3, 7, 30, 60, 90, or 180 days later. Moreover, a letter of confirmed phone appointments, as well as other support material with brochures on alcohol use and behavioural change (provided by the National Secretary of Drug Policies) [3] were sent through the post.…”

“…In particular, it allows the overcoming of barriers such as time, stetypes and distance. According to some research, this treatment is not only an accessible option, it also has proven its efficacy under counselling through Brief Motivational Intervention (BMI) [3,4]. BMI is an adaptation from the motivational intervention that was designed for brief contacts in the basic healthcare units and can be offered through telephone plus supplementary material that is provided for this [5][6][7].…”

“…In this perspective, some studies demonstrate the effectiveness of IBM [8,9]. Signor et al [3] showed that in 6-month follow-up period, 70% of the BMI group had quitted alcohol consumption compared to 41% of the participants in the control group 2. In a study by Ward et al [10] the participants who received the BMI treatment were significantly more likely to reduce their alcohol use than those who did not; no effect was identified for other substances.…”