A comparison of brief intervention versus simple advice for alcohol use disorders in a North India Community-based sample followed for 3 months

Aim: To examine the change in alcohol use parameters following a brief intervention (BI) based on the FRAMES protocol, compared to simple advice (SA), in a community setting in North India.

Method: Ninety male subjects, 20-45 years old, with an AUDIT score between 8 and 24, consented to participate in this study. They were recruited from an earlier study on treatment, non-seeking, and allocated alternatively to the BI or SA protocols. The subjects were compared on drinking parameters, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL_Bref) and readiness to change (RCQ) after 1 month and 3 months post intervention. The assessments were made by an investigator blind to the intervention status of the subject.

Results: Of the 90 subjects, 87 (96.7%) were available for follow up in the first month and 86 (95.6%) in the third month. There was significant improvement across many drinking and QOL parameters in both the BI and SA groups, Significant differences were noticed across interventions, with a decrease in severity of dependence as measured by alcohol use in the last 30 days, composite ASI scores & improvement in physical and psychological quality of life, in those who received BI compared to those who received SA. Changes in motivation toward action were documented at first follow up, but were not sustained in either of the interventions.

Conclusions: BI had a slight advantage over SA in excessive users of alcohol in this community setting in India. It is probable that booster sessions would be needed to achieve sustained effect.