Brief interventions consist of one to four interactive, educational sessions designed to promote cessation or reduction of substance use. Dozens of randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that brief interventions elicit favorable changes in drinking, liver inflammation as measured by blood tests, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, car crashes, and criminal justice system involvement. One study found that for every primary care patient who receives screening and, if appropriate, brief intervention, nearly $1,000 was saved in reduced health care costs, automobile accidents, and involvement with the criminal justice system. The WIPHL brief intervention protocol is based on the following approaches to counseling:

Trans-Theoretical Model of Change
Motivational Interviewing
Cognitive-Behavioral Approach


References
Fleming MF, Mundt MP, French MT, Manwell LB, Stauffacher EA, Barry KL. Brief physician advice for problem drinkers: long-term efficacy and benefit-cost analysis. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 2002; 26:26-43

Monti PM, Abrams DB, Kadden RM, Cooney NL. Treating Alcohol Dependence: A Coping Skills Training Guide. New York: Guilford Press, 2002
Miller WR, Rollnick S. Motivational Interviewing (2nd edition). New York: Guilford, 2002

Prochaska JO, DiClemente C. The transtheoretical approach: crossing traditional boundaries of therapy. Homewood, IL: Dow Jones/Irwin, 1984


Useful Links
NIAAA Clinician's Guide: www.niaa.nih.gov/Publications
Project Mainstream: www.projectmainstream.net
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: www.ahrq.gov