Efficacy of a minimally guided internet treatment for alcohol misuse and emotional problems in young adults: Results of a randomized controlled trial

Jona R. Frohlich, Karli K. Rapinda, Michael P. Schaub, Andreas Wenger, Christian Baumgartner, Edward A. Johnson, Roisin M. O'Connor, Norah Vincent, Matthijs Blankers, David D. Ebert, Heather D. Hadjistavropoulos, Corey S. Mackenzie, Jeffrey D. Wardell, Mareike Augsburger, Joel O. Goldberg, Matthew T. Keough

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Many young adults struggle with comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems (i.e., depression and anxiety). However, there is currently a paucity of evidence-based, integrated, accessible treatment options for individuals with these comorbidities. The main goal of this study was to examine efficacy of a novel online, minimally guided, integrated program for comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems in young adults. Method: The study was an open-label two-arm RCT. Participants (N = 222, Mage = 24.6, 67.6% female) were randomized to one of two conditions: the Take Care of Me program (an 8-week, online integrated treatment condition consisting of 12 modules), or an online psychoeducational control condition. Intervention modules incorporated content based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Participants completed assessment data at baseline, at the end of treatment (i.e., 8 weeks), and at follow-up (i.e., 24 weeks). Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. Results: We observed that participants in the treatment condition showed larger reductions in depression, hazardous drinking, as well as increases in psychological quality of life and confidence at the end of treatment. We did not find group differences on total alcohol use at follow-up, but participants in the treatment group reduced their hazardous drinking and improved their quality of life at 24-week follow-up. Conclusions: Our study provides promising initial evidence for the first iteration of the comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems online program.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100390
JournalAddictive Behaviors Reports
Volume14
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alcohol misuse
  • Anxiety
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Depression
  • Emerging adulthood
  • Integrated treatment
  • Minimally guided
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Online

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Efficacy of a minimally guided internet treatment for alcohol misuse and emotional problems in young adults: Results of a randomized controlled trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this