Effect of holistic relapse prevention intervention among individuals with alcohol dependence: a prospective study at a mental health care setting in India

Abstract

Present study examined effectiveness of holistic based relapse intervention among individuals with alcohol dependence. A 2-group single blind RCT design was used to compare Integrative Body Mind Spirit (I-BMS) to treatment as usual (TAU) on drinking and psychological outcomes. One hundred participants were randomized to I-BMS intervention and underwent 7 sessions. With respect to the within group effects, the I-BMS group demonstrated significant improvement in all outcome measures with large effect size. Compared to TAU, I-BMS participants showed lesser relapse rates and quantity of drinking at 3-month follow-up, reduction in craving and drinking days at 2-month follow-up. There was a significant improvement in wellbeing and motivation among I-BMS group participants compared to TAU at 6-month follow-up. Results of binary logistic regression showed that number of previous attempts and living in urban area positively predicted participant’s relapse possibility at 6-month follow-up. In conclusion, it is feasible to implement I-BMS intervention for individuals with alcohol dependence. Also results suggest that I-BMS is worthy of further efficacy testing.