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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Study protocol

A comparison of three types of web-based inhibition training for the reduction of alcohol consumption in problem drinkers: study protocol

Authors: Andrew Jones, Elly McGrath, Katrijn Houben, Chantal Nederkoorn, Eric Robinson, Matt Field

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Problem drinkers have poor inhibitory control (disinhibition). Previous studies have demonstrated that various forms of ‘inhibition training’ can reduce alcohol consumption in the laboratory and at short-term follow-up, but their longer-term efficacy and mechanisms of action are unknown. In this phase 2 randomised controlled trial we will contrast the effects of three forms of inhibition training and a control intervention, delivered via the Internet in multiple sessions over four weeks, on alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers.

Methods/design

Heavy drinkers who are interested in reducing their alcohol consumption will receive a brief intervention and will monitor their own alcohol intake for one week before being randomised to one of four treatment groups: 1. General inhibition training; 2. Cue-Specific inhibition training; 3. Alcohol No-Go training; or 4. Control. They will complete up to 14 sessions of training via the Internet over a four-week period, and will be followed-up for a further six weeks after the end of the training period. Primary outcome measures are reductions in alcohol consumption and heavy drinking days. The number of abstinent days is a secondary outcome measure. We will also investigate changes in inhibitory control and automatic alcohol affective associations in response to training.

Discussion

This study will establish if web-based inhibition training can help problem drinkers to reduce their alcohol intake, and it will identify which form(s) of inhibition training are most effective.

Trial registation

Trial Registation number: ISRCTN55671858.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
A comparison of three types of web-based inhibition training for the reduction of alcohol consumption in problem drinkers: study protocol
Authors
Andrew Jones
Elly McGrath
Katrijn Houben
Chantal Nederkoorn
Eric Robinson
Matt Field
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-796

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