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Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine 1/2014

01-01-2014 | Original Research

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Alcohol Care Management Delivered in Department of Veterans Affairs Primary Care Clinics Versus Specialty Addiction Treatment

Authors: David W. Oslin, MD, Kevin G. Lynch, PhD, Stephen A. Maisto, PhD, Larry J. Lantinga, Ph.D., James R. McKay, PhD, Kyle Possemato, Ph.D., Erin Ingram, B.A., Michael Wierzbicki, MS

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Issue 1/2014

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ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use disorder is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite the availability of efficacious treatments, few individuals with an alcohol use disorder are actively engaged in treatment. Available evidence suggests that primary care may play a crucial role in the identification of patients with an alcohol use disorder, delivery of interventions, and the success of treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The principal aims of this study were to test the effectiveness of a primary care-based Alcohol Care Management (ACM) program for alcohol use disorder and treatment engagement in veterans.

DESIGN

The design of the study was a 26-week single-blind randomized clinical trial. The study was conducted in the primary care practices at three VA medical centers. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment in ACM or standard treatment in a specialty outpatient addiction treatment program.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and sixty-three alcohol-dependent veterans were randomized.

INTERVENTION

ACM focused on the use of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial support. ACM was delivered in-person or by telephone within the primary care clinic.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Engagement in treatment and heavy alcohol consumption.

KEY RESULTS

The ACM condition had a significantly higher proportion of participants engaged in treatment over the 26 weeks [OR = 5.36, 95 % CI = (2.99, 9.59)]. The percentage of heavy drinking days were significantly lower in the ACM condition [OR = 2.16, 95 % CI = (1.27, 3.66)], while overall abstinence did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate that treatment for an alcohol use disorder can be delivered effectively within primary care, leading to greater rates of engagement in treatment and greater reductions in heavy drinking.
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Metadata
Title
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Alcohol Care Management Delivered in Department of Veterans Affairs Primary Care Clinics Versus Specialty Addiction Treatment
Authors
David W. Oslin, MD
Kevin G. Lynch, PhD
Stephen A. Maisto, PhD
Larry J. Lantinga, Ph.D.
James R. McKay, PhD
Kyle Possemato, Ph.D.
Erin Ingram, B.A.
Michael Wierzbicki, MS
Publication date
01-01-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of General Internal Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0884-8734
Electronic ISSN: 1525-1497
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-013-2625-8

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