Multi-site Pilot Trial of Strengths-based Linkage to Alcohol Care (SLAC) for Hazardous Drinkers in Primary Care
This pilot study will determine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of Strengths-based Linkage to Alcohol Care (SLAC; a behavioral intervention) to link Veterans, identified as hazardous drinkers in VHA primary care, to alcohol care. Participants screening positive in VA primary care for hazardous drinking and posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and/or depression in the past year will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study conditions - SLAC plus usual care or usual care only. The investigators will determine the feasibility of conducting a larger scale study to evaluate SLAC in primary care and SLAC's acceptability among key stakeholders (e.g., Veterans, primary care providers). Other outcomes will include exploring whether SLAC improves linkage to an alcohol care or help option and/or reduces alcohol use and mental health (PTSD, depression) symptoms.
• Have screened positive for hazardous drinking (AUDIT-C score \> 5)
• PTSD (PC-PTSD-5 score \> 3) and/or depression (PHQ-2 score \> 3) in the prior 12 months and have positive rescreens
• Not have received specialty SUD treatment or participated in weekly mutual-help groups in the past 90-days
• Not have significant cognitive impairment
• Have ongoing access to a mobile or landline telephone
• Provide at least one contact who will know the Veteran's contact information