The Effect of Telephone-Based Intervention (TBI) in Alcohol Abusers: A Pilot Study
Tinakon Wongpakaran MD*, Kachanun Petcharaj MD*, Nahathai Wongpakaran MD*, Sangworn Sombatmai MSW*, Theerarat Boripuntakul MS*, Danai Intarakamhaeng MD*, Kamonporn Wannarit MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Objective : The present study was to examine the efficacy of Telephone-based intervention (TBI) with alcohol abusers.
Material and Method: Sixty individuals suffering from alcohol abuse were randomly assigned to either the intervention
group (n = 30) (in which the TBI was modified based on the combination of motivational interviewing and supportive
techniques), or the control group (n = 30) (in which the participants received mail concerning health promotion). Each
participant in the intervention group received individual weekly therapy sessions of 20 to 30 minutes via telephone for six
weeks. Simultaneously, the participants in the control group received weekly mails for six weeks. Assessment was done at
weeks 0, 6, and 18. The primary outcome was defined as a change in the amount of alcohol consumed and the number of days
spent drinking. Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem were also compared between the two groups. All were analyzed by
intention-to-treat.
Results : After 18 weeks, 54 out of the original 60 participants had complete data sets. The mean amount and frequency of
alcohol consumption was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (4.1 days + 2.0 vs. 2.8 days
+ 2.0, p < 0.01). At the end of week six, 37.3% of participants in the experiment group (compared with 11.8% of the control)
had successfully decreased their alcohol consumption (χ2 = 16.49, df = 1, p < 0.001, with an NNT = 1.69). The frequency of
drinking, as determined by the number of drinking days per week, was significantly lower in the experiment group from
baseline than in the control group at week 6 (χ2 = 18.20, df = 1, p < 0.001, with an NNT = 1.8). There was no difference
between week 6 and the end of week 18 regarding amount and frequency of drinking in both groups. There was no difference
in depressive, anxiety and self-esteem scores between the two groups over time and these factors were found to have no effect
on alcohol consumption in either group. A common problem reported in the telephone group was connection failures.
Conclusion : Telephone motivational interviews showed promise in being effective in reducing the frequency and amount of
drinking for non-treatment-seeking primary care patients who abuse alcohol. Moreover, the effect of the intervention lasted
for at least three months. Limitations of the present study are discussed.
Keywords : Telephone-based intervention, Psychotherapy, Alcohol abuse
