Research has demonstrated that some early stage problem drinkers respond to brief periods of treatment. From this background, CAIS developed a Brief Intervention Strategy which is targeted at people with suspected alcohol problems. The treatment draws upon Brief Motivational Enhancement Intervention and is delivered to problem drinkers in general hospitals and primary care settings. The project aims to reduce harmful levels of drinking and increase motivation to maintain change.

Clients are led through a computer-based therapy session which records their current level of drinking and what they would like to achieve in the future. Clients are then given a print-out of the session which they can keep and refer to in the future.

The approach has been very successful in identifying early stage problem drinkers and helping to motivate clients to change their behaviour.