How the Alcohol Program Works
CheckUp & Choices provides evidence-based interventions that are proven to reduce heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems. The programs are based on motivational and cognitive behavioral exercises that can help people develop new habits that result in lasting change. Individuals can track progress over time and receive personalized normative feedback in a non-judgmental, confidential, convenient online environment. Additional features such as urge trackers and customized email reminders engage and encourage individuals as they progress through the program. CheckUp & Choices is effective as both a stand-alone resource and as a complement to face-to-face interventions or mutual group involvement.
10-Question Screener— To get started in CheckUp & Choices, individuals first complete a free, clinically-validated 10-question screener to receive both objective feedback about their drinking and, based on their scores, a recommendation as to whether or not to register.
The CheckUp— Individuals typically begin with the CheckUp, a one-time, brief motivational intervention that takes 30-45 minutes to complete. It provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s drinking, alcohol related problems, and risk factors for future problems. It also screens for depression and anxiety. The feedback is personalized and based on published norms and is non-judgmental. It concludes with exercises to help individuals consider a path forward.
The CheckIn— Three months after completing a CheckUp, and in 90-day increments thereafter, individuals are encouraged to complete a CheckIn, a brief follow-up to the CheckUp that evaluates progress over time in levels of drinking, alcohol-related problems, depression, and anxiety. For individuals making progress in their desired goal of change (moderation or abstinence), the CheckIn serves to quantify and validate that progress. For those who are not making progress, the CheckIn can give them feedback about how their drinking continues to put them at risk for alcohol-related problems.
The Choices Programs (Moderate or Abstain)— For individuals who are ready to make a change, and want ongoing support, the Choices program provide evidence-based interventions proven successful for moderation or abstinence. Motivational and cognitive behavioral exercises teach skills and strategies for a healthier life. Drink trackers, email reminders, and customized text messaging support the individual throughout his or her specific journey. For example, for those choosing moderation as a goal, Choices (Moderate) teaches how to set lower risk drinking goals and ways to keep track of their drinking. The Abstain modules help people develop the motivational and cognitive behavioral skills to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Research & Results— As an evidence-based organization, CheckUp & Choices only offers programs that have support from randomized clinical trials. In those studies participants had:
- a 55% drop in drinking quantity, frequency, and intensity for less dependent drinks
- a 50% reduction in alcohol-related problems for all drinkers
- a 36% decrease in drinking days in dependent drinkers
Each CheckUp & Choices program has been evaluated in at least one randomized clinical trial, with follow-up assessments conducted out to twelve months. The results of these clinical trials have been published in peer-reviewed journals (Hester, et al., 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, Campbell et al., 2016). Copies are available upon request.
For Organizations— In addition to working directly with individuals, CheckUp & Choices partners with organizations to provide a customized, digital substance misuse solution. Representative organizational partners include health care systems, employee wellness programs, universities, correctional systems and mutual self-help groups.
Get Started— For more information about CheckUp & Choices please contact info@checkupandchoices.com
