A Randomized Trial of Two Behavioral Interventions to Improve Outcomes Following Inpatient Detoxification for Alcohol Dependence

Participants (n=150), undergoing inpatient alcohol detoxification, were randomized into 3 groups: treatment as usual (TAU), motivation enhancement therapy (MET), or peer-delivered 12-step facilitation (P-TSF). The main outcome was the initiation of any type of subsequent rehabilitation service (i.e., professional treatment or self-help) within 30 and 90 days of discharge. At the 30-day follow-up interview, there was no significant difference among the groups in the rate of initiation of any type of subsequent care (82%, 74%, and 82%, respectively, p=0.617); however, the MET group had significantly more patients initiate subsequent inpatient treatment by the 90-day follow-up interview compared to the P-TSF group (31% and 61%, respectively, p=0.007) and a greater proportion of MET participants completed subsequent inpatient treatment compared to both the TAU and P-TSF groups. There were no differences in drinking-related outcomes. MET during inpatient detoxification may help patients initiate subsequent inpatient rehabilitation treatment.