Sensitivity analysis indicates that from both perspectives the service is very cost effective and may be cost saving .
CONCLUSIONS These results make alcohol screening and counseling one of the highest-ranking preventive services among the 25 effective services evaluated using st and ardized methods .
BACKGROUND The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force ( USPSTF ) has recommended screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse .
This study was design ed to develop a st and ardized rating for the clinical ly preventable burden and cost effectiveness of complying with that recommendation that would allow comparisons across many recommended services .
Training in controlled drinking for early-stage problem drinkers.
Summary Forty-eight early-stage problem drinkers were recruited through a newspaper announcement and r and omly assigned to one of four outpatient treatment groups : ( 1 ) Bibliotherapy- Behavioral Self-Control Training ( BSCT ) , ( 2 ) BSCT-therapist directed , ( 3 ) Training in Coping Skills and ( 4 ) a combination of BSCT and Coping Skill Training . The weekly alcohol consumption in all groups decreased significantly from intake to 3 , 6 and 12 month follow-up . There were no significant differences among the groups . At the same time the number of life problems decreased significantly . The majority of the clients reduced their alcohol consumption during the assessment period , before treatment started . The absence of a non-treatment control group means that we can not be sure about the reasons for this early change . Theoretical implication s of these results are discussed
Sensitivity analysis indicates that from both perspectives the service is very cost effective and may be cost saving .
CONCLUSIONS These results make alcohol screening and counseling one of the highest-ranking preventive services among the 25 effective services evaluated using st and ardized methods .
BACKGROUND The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force ( USPSTF ) has recommended screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse .
This study was design ed to develop a st and ardized rating for the clinical ly preventable burden and cost effectiveness of complying with that recommendation that would allow comparisons across many recommended services .