Interest in self-help materials in a general population sample of drinkers

Objectives: The present study reports results on interest in self-help materials for alcohol problems. Method: A representative sample of 408 respondents participated in a telephone survey. Current drinkers were told: 'A self-help book is currently being prepared that would help people decide whether or not they would like to reduce their drinking. If such a book were available, would you be interested in receiving a free copy?' Results: 31.4% of current drinkers and 44.5% of problem drinkers were interested in receiving a free self-help book. Conclusions: Providing self-help materials as common practice may help reduce the harm associated with problem drinking.