MOOD MANAGEMENT VS MOOD TOLERANCE IN ALCOHOL TREATMENT

Boston University Medical Campus, Boston MA

Investigators

Abstract

The long-term objective of this research project is to contrast the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral skills training (Mood Management- MM) and exposure-based therapy (Mood Tolerance-MT) in the treatment of individuals diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence. Specific Aims include: 1) evaluating the relatively efficacy of MM and MT in helping problem drinkers to maintain abstinence from alcohol, and 3) to examine the relationship between mood dysregulation and relapse. Mood dysregulation has become a prominent factor in many theories of alcohol abuse/dependence with widespread use of treatment modules designed to improve mood regulation. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of therapies designed to improve mood regulation among alcohol dependent patients, and no studies have directly compared the efficacy of cognitive behavioral and exposure-based treatment approaches targeting negative mood. 128 participants with no more than three-months sobriety will be recruited for the present study. Participants will be assessed and randomly assigned to either MM or MT. Participants in both treatment conditions will complete twice-weekly 90 minute groups for a total of five weeks. Between group (MM vs. MT) differences in alcohol use, affective regulation, and current affective state are expected at a one- week, three-month, and six-month follow-up assessment. This project will provide pilot data to inform an RO1 application with a planned submission in the year 2001.