Superior Outcome of Females Over Males After Brief Treatment for the Reduction of Heavy Drinking

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Abstract
Summary: Problem drinkers (52 males, 38 females) recruited through advertisements were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: Guidelines: three sessions of advice using a pamphlet outlining basic steps for achieving abstinence or moderate drinking. Manual: three sessions of instruction in the use of a 'self‐help’manual presenting a step‐by‐step approach for attaining abstinence or moderate drinking. Therapist: six or more sessions of instruction in the methods outlined in the 'self‐help’manual. At 3, 6 and 12 months follow‐up, no significant differences were found among the groups in reduction of heavy drinking days (i.e. days when consumption exceeded four drinks, each containing 13.6 g/ethanol). Overall, the number of heavy days were reduced from an average of 43 at intake, to 20 over the 1‐year follow‐up period. Females, however, had significantly greater reductions than males (75% versus 35%). Three months after treatment the rate of successful moderate drinkers was significantly higher for females than males in the Guidelines (60% versus 33%) and the Manual condition (63% versus 18%), but not in the Therapist condition (25% versus 35%). At 1‐year follow‐up, females were more successful than males in all conditions. Mean changes in GGT and MCV levels lended support to the change in drinking status (from heavy drinker at intake to moderate drinker at follow‐up), based on clients’self‐reports.

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