Motivation to Reduce Drinking and Engagement in Alcohol Misuse Treatment in Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: A National Health Survey

Am J Gastroenterol. 2022 Jun 1;117(6):918-922. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001616. Epub 2021 Dec 29.

Abstract

Introduction: The study aim was to identify predictors of motivation to reduce alcohol consumption and whether motivation predicts engagement in alcohol misuse treatment in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD).

Methods: Data from health surveys and health-care registries were combined.

Results: Of 674 patients with ALD, 65% consumed alcohol. Recent hospital admission and severe alcohol problems were associated with motivation to reduce alcohol consumption. Two-year probability for engagement in misuse treatment was 29% for patients with motivation to reduce alcohol consumption versus 6.5% for patients without motivation.

Discussion: ALD patients with recent hospital admission were more motivated to cut down alcohol consumption, and motivation predicted engagement in alcohol misuse treatment. This insight can help us target brief interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control
  • Alcoholism* / therapy
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases*
  • Motivation