The modelled cost-effectiveness of two psychological treatments for the reduction of alcohol consumption in alcohol-dependent individuals

Background: Up to 7% of the Swedish population meets criteria for harmful use or alcohol dependency but only 10-20% seek treatment. One of the most recommended psychological treatments for controlled drinking is Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). Behavioural Self-Control Training (BSCT) is another treatment that is unique in that it is based on the psychology of learning and specifically focused on skills training. To our knowledge, no previous studies exist that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of BSCT for alcohol use disorders (AUD). The aim of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of BSCT compared to MET for patients with AUD aiming for controlled drinking over the longer-term from a societal perspective.

Methods: We modelled a cohort of patients with AUD who aim for controlled drinking, over a 10 year time horizon, and estimated the expected costs and outcomes of BSCT and MET. The model reflects the epidemiological transitions between drinking states, which reflect different levels of daily alcohol intake. Each drinking state is connected to temporary or long-term complications attributable to alcohol consumption, different costs and utilities. The data was sourced from a randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of MET vs BSCT. Risks for complications and associated costs, utilities and mortality were sourced from the literature.

Results: The model will estimate the incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained and the return on investment of BSCT relative to MET and will be ready in time for the conference.

Conclusion: This study will determine whether BSCT should be a recommended treatment for AUD patients with a goal of controlled drinking. Findings will contribute to devising appropriate treatments whose goals match the goals of patients, thereby contributing to achieving better health outcomes for patients and good investments of health care resources.