Could the Internet curb alcoholism?

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new report hints that computer programs may help some alcoholics drink a little less.

Delving into earlier research, British researchers found the programs cut heavy drinkers' alcohol use by about two drinks per week compared to just handing out factual health advice.

But not all of the studies they analyzed were positive, and those that were had limitations, they report in the journal Addiction.

Still, if computer-based interventions pan out, it could have major consequences for the estimated 17.6 million Americans who struggle with alcoholism.

"From the user's perspective, the intervention is essentially free, assuming they have access to the Internet," Zarnie Khadjesari, who worked on the new analysis, told Reuters Health by e-mail.

"Use of these interventions compared with in-person counseling also eliminates any travel costs, or time taken off work to attend appointments," said Khadjesari, of University College London's E-health Unit.

Previous research has shown doctors can help curb excessive drinking when the problem is identified and addressed early on. But alcoholism is often identified too late for brief interventions to make much of a difference.

Khadjesari and colleagues scoured the medical literature for studies of computer-based interventions, which in principle would be easily available to most people in developed countries.

The 24 studies they settled on ranged widely in size, involving more than 5,600 participants overall. The specific interventions also varied. Some provided little more than information, while others had interactive games and videos that passed on health messages to the user.

Sixteen studies showed the treatments helped people slash drinking by an average of 26 grams per week, or about two cans of beer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define heavy drinking as more than two drinks per day for men, and more than one for women.

But many studies reported their data in a way that could potentially make the effect seem bigger than it is, the researchers caution.

On the other hand, they say, most of the reports so far have been limited to students, for whom the intervention appears to work less well.

Khadjesari said more solid research is needed, given the many advantages of computer-based interventions should they turn out to be effective.

"They offer convenience, flexibility of use, low cost, and privacy, which is particularly important in reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for an alcohol problem," she said.

SOURCE: link.reuters.com/zuf38q Addiction, online November 18, 2010.