Genuine vs. DrAFT-CS: A randomized clinical trial comparing computer and live personalized feedback interventions for high-risk drinking among college students

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study:

The current study evaluated the efficacy of a computer-based personalized feedback intervention (PFI; Drinking Assessment and Feedback Tool for College Students, or DrAFT-CS) and a PFI with a live interviewer utilizing motivational interviewing strategies for reducing alcohol consumption and related problems for heavy-drinking college students. One hundred and fifty-two participants were randomly assigned to the DrAFT-CS, in-person PFI, repeated assessment, or a minimal assessment-only condition. Personalized feedback included the participant's typical/peak blood alcohol concentration, drinking quantity, frequency, and related problems, endorsed dependence criteria, financial and caloric cost of drinking, family history of alcohol use disorders, alcohol expectancies, psychological problems, and motivation to change.

Findings and Conclusions:

Results indicated that at 10-weeks posttreatment both the DrAFT-CS and in-person PFI significantly reduced alcohol consumption and related problems. The DrAFT-CS showed comparable efficacy to the in-person PFI and repeated assessment conditions but was superior to the minimal assessment-only condition.