Integrated behavior change techniques for alcoholics

42 chronic hospitalized alcoholics were Ss in a study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of behavior modification techniques in changing drinking and related behaviors and achieving moderation. The following procedures were studied: videotaped self-confrontation of drunken behavior, discrimination training for blood alcohol concentration, aversion training for overconsumption, discriminated avoidance practice, alcohol education, alternatives training, and behavior counseling. All of the techniques were applied to Group 1, and only the last 3 techniques were applied to Group 2. After 1 yr of follow-up, significant decreases in alcohol intake were observed for both groups, but Group 1 decreased significantly more than Group 2. Favorable changes were also observed in drinking companions, choice of alcoholic beverage, and drinking environment. It is concluded that some chronic alcoholics learned to drink in a controlled manner as a result of the techniques used and the program orientation.