The Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing with Cognitive Behavioral Treatment on Behavior Changes in Heavy Drinkers

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) with cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) on behavioral changes of heavy drinkers. This study used embedded mixed methods that integrate sequential qualitative interviews with quantitative evaluation. Of a total of 47 participants, 24 belonged to an intervention group, which participated in the MI with CBT on behavioral changes once a week, 25–30 min on average, for 8 weeks. A total of 23 participants were assigned to a control group, which received a 7-page booklet containing information about alcohol. A t -test, generalized linear model, and qualitative analysis were used to evaluate the effects of MI with CBT. The interview data ( n = 13) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. There was a statistically significant change in participants’ beliefs concerning the immediate effects of drinking ( F = 3.827, p = 0.025). Additionally, the intervention group had a significantly higher drinking refusal self-efficacy than the control group ( F = 4.426, p = 0.015). Four themes emerged from the analysis of qualitative data: reduction of benefits of drinking, changes in thoughts about costs of drinking, changes in drinking behavior, and achieving self-efficacy. The MI with CBT significantly promoted awareness of problem-drinking behaviors among heavy drinkers and increased their self-efficacy, improving their ability to make positive behavioral changes for themselves. Since this intervention is simple and easy to apply, it will be useful for problem drinking-prevention strategies in the public health sector. Therefore, efforts to disseminate these strategies will be worthwhile from sustainable perspectives.