Few interventions support the affected other on their own: A systematic review of individual level psychosocial interventions to support those harmed by others’ alcohol drinking

Abstract

Introduction: Over 100 million individuals worldwide experience negative outcomes as a function of a family member's substance use. Other reviews have summarized evidence on interventions; however, success often depends on the behavior of the individual causing harm, and they may not be ready or able to change. Aim: To identify and describe evaluations of psychosocial interventions which can support those affected by alcohol harm to others independent of their drinking relative or friend. Methods: A systematic review/narrative synthesis of articles from 11 databases pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021203204). Results: Those experiencing the harm were spouses/partners, or adult children/students who have parents with alcohol problems. Studies (n=7) are from the UK, USA, Korea, Sweden, Mexico, and India. Most participants were female (71-100%). Interventions varied from guided imagery, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and anger management. Independent interventions may support those affected by another's alcohol use, although there was considerable variation in outcomes targeted by the intervention design. Conclusions: Small-scale studies suggest brief interventions ease suffering from alcohol's harm to others, independent of the drinking family member. Understanding affected others’ experience and need is important given the impact of alcohol’s harm to others; however, there is a lack of quality evidence informing strategies to support these individuals.

Harm from the drinking of people you know: A range of effects from different relationships

“…A call for gendered services that consider the needs of women affected by others' drinking [14] is backed by these findings, as is a focus on addressing how young people are affected [15]. As to which interventions may be effective, Shorter and colleagues [16] found few interventions focussed on the affected or concerned other, although some psychosocial interventions, including guided imagery, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and anger management were able to ease the burden independent of the family member. Velleman and colleagues [17] have successfully used brief interventions to reduce stress and strain for family members affected by others' drinking.…”