Table 1 Components of Effective Interventions for Alcohol Misuse.

Motivational Interviewing

A client-centred, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence³¹.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

An adaptation of Motivational Interviewing. Usually consists of 4 sessions, often with the user's significant other⁶.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Seeks to identify and modify maladaptive cognitions, prescribe specific coping strategies, teach coping behaviours through instruction, modelling, directed practice and feedback, and teaches specific problem-solving strategies⁶.

Behavioural Self-control Training

Also called self-management training. Usually includes setting limits for drinking; self-monitoring of alcohol consumption; methods to control the rate of drinking; drink-refusal skills training; self-reward systems for successful behaviours; analysis of antecedents to excessive drinking; training alternative behaviours to drinking to cope with high-risk relapse situations⁶.

Social behaviour and network therapy

Based on the premise that people with serious drinking problems need to develop positive social network support for change. Components include identifying and contacting network members and engaging them in treatment⁶.

Coping and social skills training

Enables the user to live a fulfilling life without excessive drinking. Often combined with assertiveness training and/or communication skills training⁶.

Behaviour contracting

The therapist negotiates agreement between the service user and their significant other to a system of mutual expectations and obligations⁶.

Conjoint marital therapy

Suitable for socially stable alcohol misusers with moderate dependence/alcohol problems and an intact partnership⁶.