How Effective are Brief Interventions Delivered Across Multiple Settings?

Results from seven meta-analyses have consistently shown that brief interventions effectively reduce levels of alcohol consumption in adolescents, young adults and adults compared to no intervention. However, the effect sizes can be small, and tend to reduce over time. Brief interventions are as effective as alternative alcohol interventions and standard care, for reducing alcohol consumption, and may be more cost effective.  

Although there has been debate about whether brief interventions are effective among people with more severe alcohol use, current evidence suggests that MI is effective. There is also no consistent evidence that more intensive alcohol treatment is more effective than MI for excessive alcohol use or dependence. Together these findings suggest that consistent with stepped care models of care (See Chapter 5), MI should be offered first, followed by more comprehensive alcohol and other drug treatment if the patient does not respond, or if clinically indicated (e.g. presence of withdrawal symptoms).