This IARD Policy Review describes the results of studies examining the effectiveness of screening and brief interventions (SBIs) for hazardous or harmful drinking.
The following criteria were used to select studies following a literature search using PubMed and the IARD Research database*.
Study designs: systematic reviews, meta-analyses (a type of study that pools data from multiple studies) and experimental studies
Publication dates: from 2009 through July 2019
Outcomes: alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder, drink driving, heavy alcohol use, binge drinking; studies on SBIs and treatments for alcohol dependence were excluded
Exposure: Screening and brief interventions
Sample size: >100 participants
When multiple analyses were presented in a study, we included results from models that were fully adjusted. We give priority to presenting the results of meta-analyses and systematic reviews before results of individual studies when possible.
Last literature review: August 2019
* The IARD Research database is a collection of citations on beverage alcohol from peer-reviewed journals. Started in 1987, it initially included selected articles only. From 2003, a more comprehensive approach was taken to the pre-selected journal sources and, from 2015, PubMed was added to the list of sources.
IARD Policy Reviews offer a referenced overview of recent peer-reviewed, published research on the impact of policy measures on drinking patterns and outcomes. They are not intended to be exhaustive representations of all scientific research on a given subject and, as research is constantly evolving, they might not include the most recent findings.
Video: How does IARD develop its Health Reviews?
Video: Understanding study designs in health research
These materials do not necessarily reflect the views of IARD or its member companies. The reviews report the findings of the referenced studies and are not intended to advise individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.
IARD Policy Reviews should be read in their entirety and not misrepresented or taken out of context.
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© 2021 International Alliance for Responsible Drinking
IARD’s members and the members of its Partnership Council are a diverse group of organizations with a variety of viewpoints. They might not necessarily agree on all or any subjects. Any statements, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed on this website do not reflect the policies or views of all IARD members or the organizations they represent, unless explicitly stated. However, all members agree on and support IARD’s mission of reducing the harmful use of alcohol.
The resources on this website are not intended as health advice to individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual, based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.
