Controlling alcohol-related violence: a treatment programme

Introduction Control Of Violence for Angry Impulsive Drinkers (COVAID) is a structured, cognitive‐behavioural treatment programme for people in the community. The importance of the programme is that it addresses the link between two major problems areas – drinking and aggression – while emphasizing the reduction of the latter. Aim To conduct a pilot study of the effectiveness of COVAID. Method Six COVAID participants were assessed using psychometric measures and self‐reported alcohol consumption and aggression, before and after a 10‐session COVAID programme. They and 10 other men regarded as potentially suitable but who had not completed COVAID were compared for reconviction over a period of 18 weeks from referral. Results Six of the 17 referrals to COVAID completed the programme; one was not accepted for the programme, one is still in treatment, three became unavailable for COVAID, three did not attend the first interview, and three dropped out of treatment. The six completers showed improvement on alcohol‐related aggression beliefs, social problem solving, anger control and impulsiveness. Improvements in alcohol consumption were not uniformly observed, although self‐reported aggression was low. Reconvictions for violence were lower in the COVAID group (one reconvicted out of six men) compared with those referred but who did not participate in COVAID (three reconvicted out of 10 men). Discussion This preliminary information shows that COVAID holds promise as an intervention for alcohol‐related aggression and violence. While the indicators are positive, given the small numbers, the short follow‐up period and the lack of an adequate control group, further evaluation is necessary. Given the difficulties in recruiting suitable candidates, a multi‐centre study is recommended. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.