Intervention in social networks: A new method in the prevention of alcohol-related problems

Social networks play a major role for the development and the maintenance o f drinking behavior, and several studies have focused on the social role of alcohol. Yet, no studies have focused on the possibility of intervening di rectly into social networks as a prevention strategy. This paper presents t he method, findings, and perspectives of a project ain-Ling at preventing a lcohol-related problems through intervention in social networks. Based on s ystems theory and strategies developed within this framework, interventions in social networks of social drinkers were carried through. Essential to t his approach was to take the starting point in each individual's own experi ences with drinking situations in order to develop personal strategies for coping with drinking in a variety of situations. The findings are promising in terms of developing such strategies. The effects of the interventions w ere particularly obvious with the individuals reporting the highest level o f consumption prior to the project.Social networks play a major role for th e development and the maintenance of drinking behavior, and several studies have focused on the social role of alcohol. Yet, no studies have focused o n the possibility of intervening directly into social networks as a prevent ion strategy. This paper presents the method, findings, and perspectives of a project ain-Ling at preventing alcohol-reIated problems through interven tion in social networks. Based on systems theory and strategies developed w ithin this framework, interventions in social networks of social drinkers w ere carried through. Essential to this approach was to take the starting po int in each individual's own experiences with drinking situations in order to develop personal strategies for coping with drinking in a variety of sit uations. The findings are promising in terms of developing such strategies. The effects of the interventions were particularly obvious with the indivi duals reporting the highest level of consumption prior to the project.