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Summary Objectives This pilot study explores the feasibility of yoga as part of a treatment program for alcohol dependence. Design Eighteen alcohol dependent patients were randomized to receive either treatment as usual or treatment as usual plus yoga. Assessments were taken at baseline and six month follow-up. Setting ‘Riddargatan 1': an outpatient alcohol treatment clinic located in Stockholm, Sweden. Interventions Treatment as usual consisted of psychological and pharmacological interventions for alcohol dependence. The 10-week yoga intervention included a weekly group yoga session. Participants were encouraged to practice the yoga movements at home once per day. Main outcome measures Alcohol consumption (timeline follow-back method, DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence, and the Short Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire), affective symptoms (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life (Sheehan Disability Scale) and stress (the Perceived Stress Scale and saliva cortisol). Results Yoga was found to be a feasible and well accepted adjunct treatment for alcohol dependence. Alcohol consumption reduced more in the treatment as usual plus yoga group (from 6.32 to 3.36 drinks per day) compared to the treatment as usual only group (from 3.42 to 3.08 drinks per day). The difference was, however, not statistically significant ( p =0.17). Conclusions Larger studies are needed to adequately assess the efficacy and long-term effectiveness of yoga as an adjunct treatment for alcohol dependence.

The severity of alcohol dependence can be estimated by the number of DSM-IV criteria that are fulfilled for this disorder. This paper describes the proportions in a general population sample that meet different numbers of diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence and their association with drinking and social background factors. Data came from a random, cross-sectional, self-report survey of adults from 12 Swedish communities. 28,800 persons, age 19-70, were surveyed through postal questionnaires. 14,706 questionnaires (51%) could be used for analysis. Alcohol dependence was assessed by questions relating to the seven DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence. Alcohol consumption and social background factors were examined in relation to alcohol dependence. A total of 73.8% of the general population fulfilled no criteria for alcohol dependence; 4.0% reported 3 or more criteria and qualified for the diagnosis of alcohol dependence. There were trends toward an increasing number of dependence criteria with increasing consumption levels and negative social background factors. The majority of people with alcohol dependence however did not drink at the highest consumption levels, did not live alone, and were not unemployed. Given the current definition of alcohol dependence the majority of people have few criteria fulfilled (3 or 4) and few social problems. This has important implications for treatment as dependence with low severity may require less treatment and less specialist involvement.

The aim of this study was to compare two short-term treatments for alcohol-related problems. The study was performed at an outpatient clinic for substance misuse, and subjects (65 men and 28 women) were recruited through advertisements in the local newspaper. The subjects were randomized to either a four-session guided self-change group or a one-session advice group. Alcohol consumption, degree of alcohol dependence, negative consequences of drinking, and health-related quality of life were measured or assessed, respectively, by using the timeline follow-back technique, the Short Alcohol Dependence Data (SADD) questionnaire, The Drinker Inventory of Consequences questionnaire, and the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire. Biological markers for high alcohol consumption [carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) levels] were analyzed. All assessments were made at baseline and at 9- and 23-month follow-up periods after treatment. Self-reported alcohol consumption was significantly reduced (P

This section of the journal is designed to provide readers with reviews of recent literature, and to stimulate research on questions that are important in the treatment and prevention of alcohol addiction. Research can provide insight into the causes of alcohol abuse and addiction, as well as answers to questions concerning the biomedical and psychosocial consequences of alcohol consumption. The ideas and critique expressed in this department are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, editorial board, or publisher of Alcohol . Reference to the original articles is recommended before quoting any of this material in scientific publications.