Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol misuse and emotional problems (ie, depression and anxiety) are highly comorbid among Canadian young adults. However, there is a lack of integrated, accessible, and evidence-based treatment options for these young adults.ObjectiveThe main goal of this study is to develop and test the efficacy of an integrated, online self-help program designed to target both alcohol misuse and emotional problems.MethodsA two-arm randomized controlled trial design will be used to compare the efficacy of the online integrated treatment to a psychoeducational control group. A target sample of 214 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either condition. The integrated treatment will last 8 weeks, and participants will work through 12 modules. Modules will incorporate content based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Participants in the control group will receive links to psychoeducational resources and will have access to the full treatment after follow-up. The primary outcome will be the number of Canadian standard drinks consumed in the week leading up the assessment. Secondary outcomes of interest include symptoms of depression, anxiety, alcohol-related problems, quality of life, and use of other drugs. Assessments will be completed at 3 time-points: at baseline, at the end of treatment (ie, 8 weeks), and at follow-up (ie, 24 weeks). Upon completion, data will be analyzed using generalized linear mixed models.ResultsData collection began in June 2018 and will continue until January 2020. Final study results will be submitted for publication by July 2020.ConclusionsCurrently, there are no integrated treatments designed to target alcohol misuse and the range of emotional problems experienced by young adults. This research stands to provide an effective, accessible (ie, Web-based), and feasible option to treat the many struggling young adults in this country.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03406039; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03406039 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/72fDefnrh)Registered Report IdentifierPRR1-10.2196/11298
Highlights
BackgroundMany young adult Canadians struggle with comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems
Currently, there are no integrated treatments designed to target alcohol misuse and the range of emotional problems experienced by young adults
The proposed intervention is a potentially effective, cost-friendly means to enhance mental health care delivery to young adults in Canada. No such treatments exist for young adults in the country who struggle with addiction and comorbid emotional problems
Summary
Many young adult Canadians struggle with comorbid alcohol misuse and emotional problems (ie, depression and anxiety). Existing reports show that 50%-60% of adults with an alcohol use disorder meet clinical criteria for a depressive or anxiety disorder [2,3,4,5]. Data show that the combinations of alcohol misuse and depression or anxiety are the most frequent mental health comorbidities in general populations [6,7]. We know that this comorbidity results in high disease burden—much more than each disorder separately [6,7]. There is a lack of integrated, accessible, and evidence-based treatment options for these young adults
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
