A study published online June 24 in Hepatology found that stepped alcohol treatment (SAT) delivered via telehealth helps patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) reduce their alcohol consumption. The research, led by Derek D. Satre, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Francisco, involved 328 participants with CLD and unhealthy alcohol use.
Participants were randomly assigned to either SAT via telehealth or a control group receiving standard care. The SAT group received a stepped approach: initial brief intervention, followed by cognitive behavioral therapy if needed, and then medication-assisted treatment. Over 12 months, the SAT group showed a significant reduction in alcohol use compared to controls, as measured by self-reported drinking days and heavy drinking days.
The study highlights the potential of telehealth to expand access to evidence-based alcohol treatment for a vulnerable population. Chronic liver disease patients often face barriers to in-person care, including stigma and medical comorbidities. The findings suggest that remote delivery can be effective and scalable.
Dr. Satre noted that the results support integrating alcohol treatment into routine hepatology care. The study was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and implementation in diverse healthcare settings.
