The Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing with Cognitive Behavioral Treatment on Behavior Changes in Heavy Drinkers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) with cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) on behavioral changes of heavy drinkers. This study used embedded mixed methods that integrate sequential qualitative interviews with quantitative evaluation. Of a total of 47 participants, 24 belonged to an intervention group, which participated in the MI with CBT on behavioral changes once a week, 25–30 min on average, for 8 weeks. A total of 23 participants were assigned to a control group, which received a 7-page booklet containing information about alcohol. A t-test, generalized linear model, and qualitative analysis were used to evaluate the effects of MI with CBT. The interview data (n = 13) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. There was a statistically significant change in participants’ beliefs concerning the immediate effects of drinking (F = 3.827, p = 0.025). Additionally, the intervention group had a significantly higher drinking refusal self-efficacy than the control group (F = 4.426, p = 0.015). Four themes emerged from the analysis of qualitative data: reduction of benefits of drinking, changes in thoughts about costs of drinking, changes in drinking behavior, and achieving self-efficacy. The MI with CBT significantly promoted awareness of problem-drinking behaviors among heavy drinkers and increased their self-efficacy, improving their ability to make positive behavioral changes for themselves. Since this intervention is simple and easy to apply, it will be useful for problem drinking-prevention strategies in the public health sector. Therefore, efforts to disseminate these strategies will be worthwhile from sustainable perspectives.

Comparative effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in adults with harmful use of alcohol: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis

“…An important finding from our NMA is that combined interventions provide enhanced effects in reducing AUDIT scores. MI in combination with CBT shows better outcomes than minimal interventions (such as a brief intervention alone), which is consistent with findings from the landmark combined pharmacotherapies and behavioral interventions for alcohol dependence (COMBINE) trial [59, 60], and has shown to produce more awareness in drinking behaviors [61]. Additionally, the combination has been shown to be effective in other substance abuse disorders, such as marijuana [62] and amphetamines [63].…”

“…Additionally, the combination has been shown to be effective in other substance abuse disorders, such as marijuana [62] and amphetamines [63]. One reason the blend of MI–CBT may be so beneficial is that a motivation for change is first established, which is directly followed by a personalized behavior action plan [61]. Nevertheless, CBT and more intensive interventions may require expertise or resources that may not be readily accessible in primary care environments.…”

“…To Prior systematic reviews have suggested that psychosocial interventions can be beneficial to reduce harmful alcohol consumption. [59,60], and has shown to produce more awareness in drinking behaviors [61]. Additionally, the combination has been shown to be effective in other substance abuse disorders, such as marijuana [62] and amphetamines [63].…”

The leading role of evidence-based practices in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders: a systematic review

“…Of the studies analysed, 2(12.5%) looked at the worth of MI combined with CBT along with 'change talk' and 'maintain talk' in their reactions among heavy drinkers' on behavioural changes 27,28 . After then, data was related to drinking consequences at 3 months.…”