Heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems are reduced through BASICS program

A new randomized controlled trial has found that undergraduate heavy drinkers, whether mandated or volunteer to participate in the BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) program, have fewer drinks weekly and fewer alcohol-related problems, compared to a control group. Even 12 months after the intervention, these effects were sustained. The study sample included 255 U.S. undergraduates, age 18-24. The BASICS process involves 2 one-hour face-to-face sessions with a counselor.

Practice Recommendations

The study authors recommend incorporating BASICS into campus disciplinary processes. They also recommend sticking with the 2-session program, as 1-session interventions have not shown as much effectiveness.

Terlecki, M. A., Buckner, J. D., Larimer, M. E., & Copeland, A. L. Randomized Controlled Trial of BASICS for Heavy Drinking Mandated and Volunteer Undergraduates: 12-Month Outcomes. Psychology of Addictive Behavior (e-pub ahead of print).
Graphic: from article