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Aim: To examine the change in alcohol use parameters following a brief intervention (BI) based on the FRAMES protocol, compared to simple advice (SA), in a community setting in North India. Method: Ninety male subjects, 20-45 years old, with an AUDIT score between 8 and 24, consented to participate in this study. They were recruited from an earlier study on treatment, non-seeking, and allocated alternatively to the BI or SA protocols. The subjects were compared on drinking parameters, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL Bref) and readiness to change (RCQ) after 1 month and 3 months post intervention. The assessments were made by an investigator blind to the intervention status of the subject. Results: Of the 90 subjects, 87 (96.7%) were available for follow up in the first month and 86 (95.6%) in the third month. There was significant improvement across many drinking and QOL parameters in both the BI and SA groups, Significant differences were noticed across interventions, with a decrease in severity of dependence as measured by alcohol use in the last 30 days, composite ASI scores & improvement in physical and psychological quality of life, in those who received BI compared to those who received SA. Changes in motivation toward action were documented at first follow up, but were not sustained in either of the interventions. Conclusions: BI had a slight advantage over SA in excessive users of alcohol in this community setting in India. It is probable that booster sessions would be needed to achieve sustained effect.

This study examined the reasons given for not seeking treatment by problem alcohol users who live close to a community outreach de-addiction center.Consecutive households in the community were contacted, and inquiry identified 495 male family members who were using alcohol, 163 of whom reported use of alcohol in the previous year. Of these 163 subjects, the 79 who scored above the cut-off ofor = 8 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were further evaluated using a semistructured interview schedule to determine their reasons for not seeking treatment.The majority (n = 40) considered alcohol use a "social" problem. Among the reasons for not seeking treatment, the two most commonly cited were "ashamed to admit problems" and "treatment does not help" in 26.5% (n = 21) and 22.8% (n = 18), respectively.The reasons for not seeking treatment for alcohol problems in this sample of Indian men resemble those cited in the literature. The data highlight the need for action to improve outreach to problem alcohol users.