advice and information on the negative
consequences of alcohol abuse to
motivate patients to reduce or stop
drinking. Although studies have
demonstrated the effectiveness of minimal
motivational interventions for
alcohol-dependent patients in alcoholism
treatment settings (Edwards et
al. 1977) and non-alcohol-dependent
patients in primary care settings
(Fleming et al. 1997), this treatment
approach has generally been viewed as
more relevant for problem drinkers
who are not yet alcohol dependent
than for alcohol-dependent drinkers
(Roche et al. 1995; Heather 1995).
Brief interventions vary in duration
from one to four sessions, with
each session lasting from 10 to 60
minutes. The goal of brief intervention
is often reduced drinking rather
than abstinence. Physicians or other
treatment providers advise patients on
the need to reduce their alcohol consumption
and offer feedback on the
effects of the patients’ drinking. The
feedback is designed to increase
patient motivation to reduce or stop
drinking. For example, patients may
be told that their current level of
drinking puts them at risk for hypertension
or liver dysfunction (U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services [DHHS] 1997). Unlike more
traditional treatment approaches, this
technique does not involve overtly
confrontational tactics but rather consists
of a respected professional giving
the patient advice and providing
personally motivating information
(Miller and Rollnick 1991). Refraining