Development and Implementation of a structured intervention for alcohol use disorders for telephone helpline services

A six-session intervention for harmful alcohol use was piloted via a 24-hour alcohol and other drug (AOD) helpline, assessing feasibility of telephone-delivered treatment. The intervention, involving practice elements from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and node-link mapping, was evaluated using a case file audit (n = 30) and a structured telephone interview one month after the last session (n = 22). Average scores on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) dropped by more than 50%, and there were significant reductions in psychological distress. Results suggest that, even among dependent drinkers, a telephone intervention offers effective and efficient treatment for those unable or unwilling to access face-to-face treatment.