Health Focused Motivational Treatment for Alcohol Dependent Veterans

The early months of addiction treatment are a high risk time for relapse. The purpose of
this study is to examine whether a health-related intervention delivered in an individual
session with a therapist once per month in the initial 4 months of addiction treatment will
reduce alcohol use among veterans already enrolled in weekly outpatient treatment group at
the VA San Diego Healthcare System. In order to answer this question, study participants
will be randomly assigned to one of three study conditions: 1) The Health Motivational
condition that receives individual personalized health feedback and motivational activities,
2) the Health Education condition that receives individual education about health problems
associated with the heavy alcohol use, and 3) the treatment as usual group that will receive
no additional treatment. All participants will be assessed on a monthly basis for 4 months
to evaluate alcohol use, drug use, and health status.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Veterans receiving outpatient treatment at the VA San Diego Healthcare System Alcohol
and Drug Treatment Program for a diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence

Exclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or Psychotic Disorder.