Tele-Nursing Intervention for Alcohol Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND

Alcohol is the most prevalent psychoactive substance in the Indian context. This affects the individual, family, and society extensively. Despite numerous advances in the treatment of alcoholism, relapse remains a common cause of concern. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of tele-nursing intervention (TNI) to improve alcohol-related outcomes among rural men with alcohol use disorder.

METHODS

This two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in an addiction treatment unit of tertiary mental care setting, India, between January 2022 and April 2023. One hundred sixty-four participants diagnosed with alcohol dependent syndrome were randomly assigned to receive TNI ( n = 81) or treatment as usual (TAU) ( n = 83). Participants of both groups were initially assessed for craving, quantity, and frequency of alcohol consumption and severity of alcohol use. TNI participants received 8 video-enabled cue exposure group sessions, periodic mobile phone interventions, and text message reminders after discharge along with routine treatment (TAU) at de-addiction wards. TAU group participants received only routine treatment, which includes detoxification and long-term medication to deal with craving along with individual educational sessions on harmful effects of alcohol use and advice about quitting alcohol. All the participants were followed up over 6 months postdischarge.

RESULTS

Over 6 months follow-up TNI group subjects (vs. TAU group) reported significantly decreased craving scores ( F = 6.677, p < .000, η2 = 0.134), drinking days ( F = 17.26, p < .000, η2 = 0.254), quantity of alcohol consumption ( F = 26.32, p < .000, η2 = 0.252), AUDIT scores ( F = 13.97, p < .000, η2 = 0.152), and lesser relapse rates ( p < .007).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that TNIs are effective in improving alcohol-related outcomes among rural men with alcohol use disorder. This study provides empirical evidence for the use of TNIs in the management of alcohol dependence. These low-cost approaches could overcome barriers to implement face-to-face interventions in clinical setting.