The harmful effects of risky alcohol use on one’s health and well-being have been well established. In comparison to other psychosocial approaches, brief interventions are becoming increasingly common in reducing dangerous and unsafe alcohol use. The purpose of this research was to determine if or to what degree the implementation of brief interventions for alcohol (ABI) would reduce heavy drinking in non-clinical community settings in the United Kingdom. Database and associated journal screening documented significant systematic reviews and clinical trials related to alcohol brief treatments in multiple settings during the last decade.
The results and analytical validity of selected reviews were evaluated. Qualitative face-to-face and phone interviews with staff in charge of delivering a pilot IBA intervention in group settings around the United Kingdom. The constant comparison approach was used to compare obstacles and facilitators to implementation around and within environments, and inductive thematic analysis was used to define key issues. Staff responsible for delivering the intervention were interviewed in semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 31). Data was gathered through telephone interviews, which were then analyzed using a subject guide.
All interviews were taped, verbatim transcribed, and anonymized. The results shed light on the contextual effects on the delivery and application of IBAs in non-clinical environments. The results demonstrate and affirm the potential importance of multi-setting group approaches in promoting more inclusive interaction with IBA, in addition to their implementation in other health-related settings.