Alcohol Brief Interventions for Military Personnel Moving Back to Civilian Life

Abstract: Higher levels of alcohol consumption have been observed in the UK armed forces compared to the general population. For some this may increase the risk of using alcohol as a coping strategy when adjusting to multiple life events occurring when moving back into civilian life. Alcohol brief interventions are a low intensity preventative approach for reducing harmful levels of drinking, that have been shown effective in the general population. A systematic review was conducted in 2016 on the effectiveness of alcohol brief interventions relevant to the UK armed forces at the time of moving back to civilian life. Ten studies were found. All were carried out in the USA. The findings suggest some evidence for effectiveness of selfadministered web-based interventions, and system level electronic clinical reminders. Delivery of interventions by a clinician during motivational interviews was most effective for those with subclinical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. A UK trial of web-based interventions with military personnel is recommended.