Cognitive mechanisms of an intervention to reduce heavy drinking

INTERVENTION: Participants were randomised using the simple randomisation technique of a random number table. Participants attended the University of Manchester, and following consent, an alcohol breath test and drug urine screen will be obtained. Demographic information was collected and an assessment of drug and alcohol history, including the SCID (Structured Clinical Interview for Depression) for dependence history, was conducted. They then completed a maximum 4 hour session comprising personality measures and neuropsychological testing. All measures were computerised and participants performed the tests in a designated quiet testing room, with comfort breaks as required. The intervention and control conditions received near identical paper sheets during the intervention/control element of the study. These packs were created and numbered prior to randomisation and the researcher was blind as to which numbers relate to which condition. Both intervention and control packs contained some examples of alcohol units and a list of "situations" and "solutions". The intervention group were instructed to link specific situations with specific solutions. The control group were asked to tick all that apply to themselves in both columns. After completion of the implementation intentions helpsheet, all neuropsychological tasks were repeated by all participants as an immediate follow‐up. Participants were then given a link at initial appointment and be asked to complete some sub‐clinical and personality questionnaires in their own time over the following week. One month after this appointment, participants will completed another 28 day Timeline Followback as well as all questionnaires and neuropsychological tasks once more. CONDITION: Excessive alcohol consumption ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol PRIMARY OUTCOME: Alcohol consumption was measured using a 28‐day Timeline Followback at baseline and one month follow‐up SECONDARY OUTCOME: Cognition was measured using reaction times and errors on the Stop‐Signal, Alcohol Stop‐Signal, Alcohol Stroop, Approach Avoidance, Delay Discounting and Sternberg tasks. These were measured at baseline, post‐intervention and one month follow‐up INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged 18+ 2. The participant is capable of giving written informed consent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the consent form 3. The participant is able to read, comprehend and record information written in English 4. A signed and dated written informed consent is obtained from the participant 5. The participant has expressed an interest in reducing current alcohol consumption 6. Consumption of 30 or more units of alcohol per week for men, and 20 or more units per week for women (1.5 times the UK Government guidelines of 2‐3 drinks per day for women and 3‐4 drinks per day for men with two nights off a week)but not meet SCID criteria for dependence