A person with problem drinking may be willing to change if:
(1) the person has experienced multiple negative consequences to drinking in the past
(2) the person realizes that alcohol use contributed to the injury
Some patients with alcohol-related traumatic injury may not be problem drinkers. Such an event may help convince them to stop drinking.
Other factors that may influence the decision (not listed by the authors):
(1) family member or child injured as a result of behavior
(2) the patient was emotionally shaken by the current episode
The key point is that a person involved in an alcohol-related accident may be willing to make a change, so an intervention is worth attempting. A brief intervention is usually as effective as a more complex one.
Limitations:
• Expressing a willingness to change is not the same as actually making a significant change.
• A number of issues may influence the person's following through on change including (1) self-medication of life stresses after release from the hospital and (2) manipulation of health care worker.
• Follow-up is essential to make sure the person follows through with promises.
