Alcohol intoxication self-care
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Self-Care Strategies for Alcohol Intoxication
Digital Psychological Self-Care for Alcohol Reduction
Digital psychological self-care interventions have shown promise in reducing alcohol consumption among individuals with problematic alcohol use. These interventions, which are often based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and relapse prevention, provide a structured, self-guided approach that can be accessed digitally. A study involving 36 adults demonstrated that participants who engaged with a digital self-care program daily or several times a week experienced a significant reduction in alcohol consumption, from an average of 23 to 13 drinks per week over three months1. This approach not only proved to be effective but also required minimal clinician time, making it a cost-effective option for managing alcohol use.
Internet-Based Self-Help for Alcohol Misuse and Depression
Integrated internet-based self-help interventions targeting both alcohol misuse and depression have also been effective. A randomized controlled trial with 689 participants compared an integrated self-help intervention for alcohol use and depression (AFGE-AD) with a similar intervention focused solely on alcohol use (AFGE-AO) and a control group with usual internet access. Both active interventions significantly reduced alcohol consumption and depression symptoms compared to the control group, demonstrating the potential of minimal-guidance, internet-based self-help programs in managing co-occurring conditions2.
Self-Management Approaches for Aging Adults
For aging adults, a stepped-care approach is recommended to manage alcohol problems. This approach includes brief interventions, which are short sessions aimed at harm reduction, and more comprehensive treatment programs like the Gerontology Alcohol Project (GAP) for those needing enhanced self-management guidelines. Research supports the effectiveness of both brief interventions and comprehensive programs in helping older adults manage their drinking habits3.
Lay Counsellor-Delivered Interventions
In primary care settings, lay counsellor-delivered interventions have been effective in reducing harmful drinking. The Counselling for Alcohol Problems (CAP) program, delivered by lay counsellors, showed significant improvements in remission rates and abstinence among male participants in India. This approach not only improved outcomes but was also cost-effective, highlighting the potential of using trained lay counsellors to bridge the treatment gap for alcohol use disorders4.
Behavioral Self-Control Training vs. Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Behavioral self-control training (BSCT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) are two methods used to support controlled drinking goals in individuals with alcohol use disorder. A randomized controlled trial found no significant difference between the two methods in reducing weekly alcohol consumption. However, both methods were effective in substantially reducing alcohol intake, with BSCT showing superiority in reducing hazardous drinking5.
Enhancing Clinician Self-Efficacy in Emergency Settings
Emergency clinicians often face challenges in treating intoxicated patients, particularly women victims of violence. Studies have shown that clinicians' perceived self-efficacy is crucial for effective care. Training and education programs that increase knowledge and confidence in using best practice guidelines can significantly improve clinicians' skills and attitudes towards treating intoxicated patients6 7 8. Web-based education programs have been particularly effective in enhancing nurses' self-assessed skills in managing alcohol-intoxicated patients, leading to better patient outcomes7.
Conclusion
Effective self-care strategies for managing alcohol intoxication include digital psychological interventions, internet-based self-help programs, stepped-care approaches for aging adults, lay counsellor-delivered interventions, and targeted training for emergency clinicians. These strategies not only reduce alcohol consumption but also address co-occurring conditions and improve the overall quality of care. Further research and optimization of these interventions can enhance their effectiveness and accessibility, providing valuable tools for individuals and healthcare providers in managing alcohol use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Digital psychological self-care for problematic alcohol use: feasibility of a new clinical concept
Digital psychological self-care is a feasible and preliminarily effective method for reducing alcohol consumption in adults with problematic alcohol use.
Non-RCT"Take Care of You" - Efficacy of integrated, minimal-guidance, internet-based self-help for reducing co-occurring alcohol misuse and depression symptoms in adults: Results of a three-arm randomized controlled trial.
The "Take Care of You" internet-based self-help intervention effectively reduces both alcohol use and depression symptoms in moderately depressed adult alcohol misusers.
RCT
Large Human TrialSelf-management of alcohol problems among aging adults.
A stepped-care approach involving brief interventions and more extensive treatment programs can help aging adults manage their alcohol habits and address the growing health issue of alcohol abuse in the United States.
Counselling for Alcohol Problems (CAP), a lay counsellor-delivered brief psychological treatment for harmful drinking in men, in primary care in India: a randomised controlled trial
CAP, a lay counsellor-delivered brief psychological treatment, significantly increases remission and abstinence rates in harmful drinking patients compared to EUC alone in primary care settings.
RCTLarge Human Trial
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedBehavioural self-control training versus motivational enhancement therapy for individuals with alcohol use disorder with a goal of controlled drinking: A randomized controlled trial.
Behavioural self-control training and motivational enhancement therapy both effectively reduce weekly alcohol consumption, with BSCT being superior in reducing hazardous drinking.
RCTEmergency clinicians' perceived self-efficacy in the care of intoxicated women victims of violence.
Emergency clinicians have low self-efficacy and infrequent use of guidelines and tools in treating intoxicated women victims of violence, highlighting the need for more knowledge and education.
Observational StudyThe effectiveness of a web-based education program for nurses’ self-assessed skills concerning the care of alcohol-intoxicated patients in an emergency department
A web-based education program significantly improved nurses' self-assessed skills in caring for alcohol-intoxicated patients in emergency departments.
RCTCaring for alcohol-intoxicated patients in an emergency department from the nurses' point of view - focus on attitudes and skills.
Nurses' attitudes and skills in caring for alcohol-intoxicated patients in emergency departments are linked to the success of their care.
Observational StudyRole of first aid in the management of acute alcohol intoxication: a narrative review.
Acute alcohol intoxication can often be managed in the Emergency Department with first aid, often without hospitalization, and often without alcohol-related complications.
Literature ReviewClinical recognition and recording of alcohol disorders by clinicians in primary and secondary care: meta-analysis
Clinicians' ability to identify alcohol problems varies, with primary care physicians having the lowest diagnostic sensitivity and hospital staff having the highest diagnostic accuracy.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly Cited