A safety Net for problem drinkers

Websites that help people assess whether they are alcoholics might be helpful in changing harmful drinking behavior.

Researchers report in the February issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research that the websites mimic methods that successful counselors employ during face-to-face encounters with problem drinkers. The series of reports was originally presented last June at a meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism.

The sites offer questionnaires about drinking habits, give feedback in a nonjudgmental manner and offer several options for people who want to change their drinking habits. Computer counseling has the extra benefit of anonymity, said Scott Walters, symposium organizer and assistant professor of behavioral sciences at the University of Texas School of Public Health.

“It’s a way to save face, and drinkers can begin to look at their drinking in a private and nonjudgmental way,” Walters said.

Among websites that offer such informal counseling services are Drinker’s Check-up at www.drinkerscheckup.com, E-Chug at www.e-chug.com and MyStudentBody.com at www.mystudentbody.com.