Development and Effectiveness of an Alcohol Intervention Program for Adults Under Probation

NCT06966180 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: RCT-AIP-202522-10.1T/32
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 115
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an alcohol-specific intervention program for adult individuals on probation who have problems related to alcohol use. The study was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial and was conducted at the Izmir Probation Directorate with a total of 115 participants, 58 in the intervention group and 57 in the control group. When comparing the results between the intervention and control groups, the Alcohol Intervention Program-which consisted of six structured sessions-was found to be effective in reducing participants' alcohol consumption and related problems, while also increasing their motivation for change. This research is significant as it represents the first intervention program developed specifically for alcohol use within the probation system. While existing interventions in both Turkey and abroad often focus on individuals who use illicit substances, alcohol-related problems are frequently overlooked. The results of this study aim to meet that systemic need. The Alcohol Intervention Program developed here can be integrated into routine practices within the scope of educational improvement programs in the probation system.

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder; Problem Drinking; Psychosocial Intervention

Keywords

Alcohol Use; Alcohol Intervention; Criminal Justice System; Probation; Psychosocial Intervention; Randomized Controlled Trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Reduction in Alcohol Use (AUDIT Score)

  The primary outcome was the change in participants' alcohol consumption, measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The AUDIT consists of 10 items with a total score range of 0 to 40. Higher scores reflect more severe alcohol use. The effectiveness of the Alcohol Intervention Program (AIP) was evaluated by comparing AUDIT scores at baseline and at the end of the study (Week 12, immediately after the last session). A significant reduction in scores indicated decreased alcohol use and fewer alcohol-related problems.

  From baseline to study completion (Week 12, immediately after completion of the 6-session program)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Reduction in Alcohol-Related Problems (MAST Score)

  From baseline to study completion (Week 12, immediately after completion of the 6-session program)

• Increase in Motivation to Change (SOCRATES Score)

  From baseline to study completion (Week 12, immediately after completion of the 6-session program)

Study Arms (2)

Alcohol Intervention Program (AIP)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received a structured Alcohol Intervention Program (AIP) consisting of six bi-weekly group sessions. The program was based on motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies and aimed to reduce alcohol use and related problems while increasing motivation to change.

Behavioral: Alcohol Intervention Program (AIP)

Probation Only (No Psychosocial Intervention)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group did not receive any intervention program during the study period. They continued with standard probation supervision without any additional psychosocial intervention components.

Interventions

Alcohol Intervention Program (AIP) BEHAVIORAL

A brief behavioral intervention consisting of six bi-weekly group sessions based on motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies. The aim was to reduce alcohol use and related problems and increase motivation to change.

Alcohol Intervention Program (AIP)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Being over 18 years of age
• Willingness to participate in the study (providing informed consent)
• Being literate
• Being under probation supervision and experiencing problems related to alcohol use, such as:
• Problematic alcohol consumption
• Endangering traffic safety due to alcohol use
• Committing an offense under the influence of alcohol

You may not qualify if:

• Having a psychotic disorder
• Use of any psychoactive or addictive substances other than alcohol
• Currently receiving treatment for alcohol-related problems voluntarily and outside the scope of probation supervision

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mine Pazarcikci: lead

Study Sites (1)

İzmir Probation Directorate

Izmir, 35380, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Alcoholism; Alcohol Drinking

Interventions

Ethanol

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Alcohol-Related Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Chemically-Induced Disorders; Mental Disorders; Drinking Behavior; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Alcohols; Organic Chemicals

Study Officials

• Mine Pazarcıkcı, PhD

  Ege University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: Single-blind design; participants were not informed about group assignment.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 3, 2025
• First Posted: May 11, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: November 1, 2023
• Study Completion: May 11, 2024
• Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)