Preventing injuries through interventions for problem drinking: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

To assess the effect of treatment of problem drinking on injury risk, we co nducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials by searching 12 computerized databases, cross-checking bibliographies, and contacting auth ors and governmental agencies. We identified 19 trials of interventions for problem drinking that measured injury outcomes. Treatment for problem drin king was associated with reduced suicide attempts, domestic violence, falls , drinking-related injuries, and injury hospitalizations and deaths, with r eductions ranging from 27 to 65%. Interventions among convicted drunk drive rs reduced motor vehicle crashes and injuries. The precision of all the poi nt estimates was low, however. We did not combine the results quantitativel y, because the interventions, patient populations, and outcomes were so het erogeneous. The results suggest that treatment for problem drinking may red uce injuries and their antecedents. Because injuries account for much of th e morbidity and mortality from problem drinking, further studies are warran ted to confirm these effects.