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Aim: The aim of this work was to report on the results of a pilot study of a web-based self-assessment service (DHT) for Finnish drinkers (www.paihdelinkki.fi/testaa/juomatapatesti). Method: During the 7-month recruitment period in 2004 altogether 22,536 anonymous self-assessments were recorded in the database of this service. The study sample was recruited from the 1598 service users who also participated to a survey evaluating the DHT. Those who consented by providing required baseline data and their e-mail address (n = 343) were sent a message asking them to fill in the follow-up questions 3,6 and 12 months later. Their self-reported use of alcohol and drinking-related problems served as the main outcome variables in this single-group follow-up study. Results: At 3, 6 and 12 months, 78%, 69% and 61% of the study participants, respectively, responded to the follow-up. The intention-to-treat (ITT) results revealed significant reductions (P < 0.001) in all the outcome measures. The reductions occurred during the first 3 months, after which the changes were non-significant. Conclusions: The results are in line with previous studies with mostly shorter follow-up periods suggesting that Internet-based self-assessment services can be useful tools in reducing excessive drinking. A randomized controlled trial would, however, increase our certainty about the causes of the observed changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the impact of a self-help pamphlet designed to support self-control of drinking. It was conducted in Helsinki, Finland, in 2001 and 2002 and focused on men between 30 and 49 years of age. The respondents were randomly selected in an intervention and a control area and compared with each other before and after the intervention using independent samples (N = 4418) The results support previous findings showing that interventions like this serve as a supplement to other prevention and early treatment measures. Although the results were encouraging, there is a need for more in-depth studies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on the long-term changes in identity revealed by the accounts of people who have managed to quit their addictive behaviours. The views of Rom Harré (1983, Personal being. Oxford: Basil Blackwell) are used as the theoretical frame of reference in analysing these accounts. According to Harré, there are two central projects in identity formation. One involves the appropriation of a social identity that secures an honourable position among fellow human beings. The other one involves finding and defending one's unique personal identity. This qualitative study aims to display the relevance of these processes in the recovery from addictive behaviours. The subjects (n = 76) were media-recruited individuals who had managed to quit their addictions and maintain the change for more than three years. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to gather data on their recovery. The relevance of social and personal identity projects in their recovery is displayed in case descriptions. Similar trends are also identified in other subjects. Differences between treated and untreated recovery and the following identity work are also discussed. The results of the study suggest that the changes in identity are not limited only to the resocialisation or normalisation of former addicts but they also involve attempts to find more personally satisfying and authentic modes of being in the world. It is suggested that the observed identity work might be essential for solidifying the change and providing meaning for a sober lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A prospective natural history study was conducted of problem drinkers who were thinking about quitting or reducing their alcohol consumption. Two primary constructs, cognitive appraisals and life events, were measured in a mailed-out baseline survey. A one-year follow-up survey identified those who had made reductions in drinking. Partial correlations controlling for baseline drinking severity revealed some support for both cognitive appraisal and life events explanations of change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current heavy drinkers were recruited from a general population random-digit dialing telephone survey. Comparisons were made between those who were considering or not considering change. Those considering reducing or quitting their drinking in the next 6 months were asked their reasons for considering change. Respondents considering change had more severe alcohol problems and perceived more risk associated with their drinking as compared with those not considering change. The most common reasons for considering change were health and financial concerns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]