Behavioral self-control training for problem drinkers: A meta-analysis of randomized control studies

A review of the literature uncovered 17 studies that have employed a random ized control design to investigate the efficacy of behavioral self-control training for problem drinking. A meta-analysis of these 17 studies showed t hat behavioral self-control training was superior to no intervention and al ternative nonabstinence-oriented interventions in reducing both alcohol con sumption and problematic drinking. The results of this meta-analysis also f avored behavioral self-control training over traditional abstinence-oriente d treatment, but the effect size fell short of statistical significance. Ad ditional analyses found self-control training to be equally effective for u se with alcohol-dependent and problem-drinking subjects and for follow-ups spanning several months to several years. The implications of these results for interventions with alcohol-abusing clients are discussed.