Relative effectiveness of bibliotherapy, individual and group self-control training in the treatment of problem drinkers

Abstract

The effectiveness of 4 alternative forms of behavioral self-control training (BSCT) designed to reduce alcohol consumption was evaluated. Forty-one problem drinkers were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment conditions: (a) bibliotherapy, in which clients were evaluated and then provided with a self-help manual (Miller & Muñoz, 1976) and self-monitoring cards but were not given therapy sessions, (b) BSCT alone, consisting of 10 individual sessions following material presented in the manual, (c) BSCT plus relaxation training, being identical to (b) except that training in progressive deep muscle relaxation was added within the 10 sessions, and (d) group therapy identical in content to (c) but offered in a group rather than in individual format. Outcome data included information from client interviews, psychometric measures, self-monitoring cards, and interviews with significant others. All data sources indicated significant and substantial reduction in alcohol consumption, particularly in “alcoholismic” drinking patterns. No significant differences were found among the 4 treatment groups. The cost-effectiveness of a bibliotherapy approach was supported, consistent with prior research. Overall improvement rates were 84% and 69% at 3- and 12-month follow-up, respectively.