Evaluation of Web-Based Digital Intervention to Change Individual’s Drinking Behaviours

Abstract

Alcohol Use Disorder is a complex and broad condition with multiple pathways to resolution. Only a small proportion of people with AUD seek formal treatment or support, whilst lower severity AUD is particularly under-addressed. In part, this reflects common misconceptions about AUD as an always severe condition requiring lifelong abstinence. The present study sought to investigate the impact of an online programme focused on supporting participants (n = 928) looking to change their drinking behaviors on outcomes of self-reported happiness with drinking and other well-being outcomes. Results showed that post-intervention, all participants reported significantly increased happiness with their drinking, greater drink-refusal self-efficacy, and improvements in how drinking impacted multiple well-being domains such as sleep and emotions. Importantly, it was found that all participants were happier with their drinking regardless of whether their goal was to abstain from drinking or to reduce their drinking. These results add to evidence highlighting the need to broaden the accessibility and range of options available to support a wider range of people with AUD, particularly via increasing understanding and acceptance of non-abstinent routes to AUD resolution.