Predictors of treatment outcome for individuals with alcohol use disorder with a goal of controlled drinking.

BACKGROUND: Research is lacking on predictors of outcome for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) with a goal of controlled drinking (CD). The aim of the study was to investigate one-year outcomes of an RCT, investigating Behavioral Self-Control Training (BSCT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and predictors of positive outcome for weekly alcohol consumption, CD and symptom reduction in AUD. METHODS: This study is based on secondary analyses from a randomized controlled trial including 250 individuals with AUD (52% men) recruited from three specialized addiction clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Linear and logistic mixed regression models were used for outcomes at 52 weeks, and linear and logistic regression models for the predictor analyses. RESULTS: BSCT was superior to MET for the change between baseline to 52 weeks for the outcome of CD, defined as low-risk drinking below ten standard drinks per week for both genders (p = 0.048). A total of 57% of individuals in BSCT attained a level of CD, as opposed to 43% in MET. Females were significantly better in attaining low-risk drinking levels compared to men. The predictor for obtaining CD and reducing weekly alcohol consumption, was a lower baseline alcohol consumption. Predictors of symptom reduction in AUD were lower baseline level of AUD, and a lower self-rated impaired control over alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: BSCT was superior to MET in obtaining CD levels, and women were superior to men for the same outcome. The study corroborated baseline consumption levels as an important predictor of outcome in CD treatments. The study contributes with important knowledge on key treatment targets, and knowledge to support and advice patients in planning for treatment with a goal of controlled drinking. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The original study was registered retrospectively at isrtcn.com (14539251).

Community Reinforcement and Family Training versus counselling for parents of treatment-refusing young adults with hazardous substance use: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the high prevalence and negative effects of hazardous substance use, few young adults enter treatment. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), a support programme for concerned significant others of people with substance use disorders, has proved efficacious in promoting treatment entry. The aim of the current trial was to compare the efficacy of CRAFT with an active control for parents of young adults (aged 18-24 years) with hazardous substance use. DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled superiority trial comparing CRAFT (n = 58) with an active control group receiving manualized counselling (n = 55), with outcome assessments at 6, 12 and 24 weeks (primary end-point). A sequential design with a stopping rule was added post recruitment commencement. SETTING: The study took place in two outpatient clinics for young adults in Stockholm, Sweden, and subsequently via video-conference due to COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS: Between October 2018 and May 2021, 113 participants (92% female) who were parents of young adults (87% male) were recruited. Recruitment was discontinued when 70% of the planned sample had been recruited, following an interim analysis of the primary outcome showing no difference between conditions. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: Participants were randomized (ratio 1 : 1) to eight manual-based individual CRAFT sessions or five individual manual-based counselling sessions + one voluntary psychoeducative group session, delivered over maximum 14 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was the rate of young adult entry in substance use treatment during the trial period (24 weeks). FINDINGS: At the 24 weeks follow-up, 19 (33%) of CRAFT participants and 17 (31%) of counselling participants had reported young adult treatment entry, with no difference between conditions (odds ratio CRAFT versus counselling 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.35; 1.99, P = 0.700). Both conditions reported clinically relevant reductions in young adult substance use, but no change in participants' levels of depression, anxiety or stress. CONCLUSIONS: This trial showed no statistically significant evidence that Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), a support programme for concerned significant others of people with substance use disorders, is more efficacious than manual-based counselling regarding treatment entry for young adults.

Behavioural self-control training versus motivational enhancement therapy for individuals with alcohol use disorder with a goal of controlled drinking: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Controlled drinking (CD) is an attractive treatment goal for a large proportion of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but the availability of treatment methods supporting a goal of CD is scarce. We tested if behavioural self-control training (BSCT) was superior to motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for individuals with AUD with a treatment goal of CD. DESIGN: Randomized controlled two-group trial. Follow-ups were conducted at 12 and 26 weeks (primary end-point) after inclusion. SETTING: Three specialized dependency care clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and fifty self-referred adults (52% men) fulfilling criteria of AUD (DSM-5) and a stated treatment goal of CD. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: BSCT (n = 125), a five-session treatment based on cognitive behavioural therapy versus the active comparator, MET (n = 125), containing four sessions based on Motivational Interviewing. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome measure was mean weekly alcohol consumption at the 26-week follow-up, adjusted for baseline consumption. CONCLUSIONS: A randomized controlled trial found no evidence of a difference between behavioural self-control training and motivational enhancement therapy in reducing weekly alcohol consumption. Both groups substantially reduced consumption and behavioural self-control training was superior in reducing hazardous drinking.

'Ageing with an alcohol problem is not what I envision': reclaiming agency in shaping personal ageing trajectory and recovery from alcohol problems.

BACKGROUND: Eliciting and understanding older persons' descriptions of their resources for healthy ageing and the interaction of these resources with alcohol use and alcohol problems can facilitate health promotion. It can also inform clinicians when identifying areas of recovery capital that present risks and strength for older people seeking alcohol treatment. The objective of this study was to illuminate the experiences and perspectives of older persons on ageing, alcohol use, treatment, and recovery from alcohol problems, as well as their understanding of healthy ageing. METHODS: Eight men and two women, aged 61 to 73 years, with moderate drinking as a treatment goal and treated at an outpatient alcohol clinic in Sweden, participated in semi-structured audio-recorded virtual interviews. A qualitative content analysis examined the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: "Tipping the balance", "Staying behind a veil" and "Lifting the vail". First, participants understood healthy ageing as a personal and multidimensional process that involved actively expanding, maintaining or adjusting to the resources needed to lead an active and meaningful life while preserving autonomy, dignity and independence for as long as possible. Second, most participants viewed moderate alcohol use as a contributor to healthy ageing. They sought treatment when their drinking became unsustainable and an immediate threat to their healthy ageing resources. Stigma, ambivalence and a lack of treatment options, however, contributed to delayed treatment. Third, the participants responded to treatment approaches that elicited their concern, incorporated their expertise and treatment and life goals, appreciated their autonomy and agency, and considered them partners in goal setting and decision making. Reduced drinking helped participants regain their agency and improved their healthy ageing capital which in turn catalyzed continuing recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Older persons in non-abstinent recovery perceive healthy ageing and alcohol recovery as personal and interacting multidimensional processes involving their agency to improve biopsychosocial functioning. Treatment approaches that recognize older persons' desire for healthy ageing, incorporate their treatment goals and respect their autonomy are likely to be acceptable and effective.

A qualitative interview study of patient experiences of receiving motivational enhancement therapy in a Swedish addiction specialist treatment setting.

BACKGROUND: Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) has shown to be efficacious as treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD), in reducing alcohol consumption and related consequences. However, qualitative research on how patients perceive this treatment is lacking. The aim of this study was to explore how patients experience MET as a treatment for AUD. METHODS: Fifteen patients (8/7 female/male) participated in semi-structured interviews after receiving MET at a specialized addiction outpatient clinic in Sweden. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: the therapist conveyed the MI-spirit, the therapist did not guide on how to reach the goal, participants were committed to change before starting treatment, participants were uncertain if treatment was enough to maintain change, and significant others were not wanted in sessions. Participants appreciated the supportive relationship with their therapist, but some experienced therapy as overly positive, with no room to talk about failure. Further, they experienced a low level of guidance in goal-setting. For some, this was empowering, while others requested more direction and advice. Participants perceived their motivational process to have started before treatment. MET was considered to be too brief. None of the participants brought a significant other to a session. CONCLUSIONS: Therapist behaviors in line with MI spirit were emphasized as key to the development of a positive therapeutic relationship. More specific advice on goal-setting may be effective for supporting change in some patients. Longer treatment is requested among patients to support the patient's self-efficacy for change. Significant others can support change without necessarily being present in sessions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The current trial was retrospectively registered at isrtcn.com (14539251).

The efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioral program added to treatment-as-usual for alcohol-dependent patients in primary care: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Most alcohol-dependent people have a moderate level of dependence. General practitioners (GPs) hesitate to engage in this area, and need to have access to treatment they find applicable and feasible to use. The aim of this present study was to test if an open-ended internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) program added to treatment-as-usual (TAU) is more effective than TAU-only for alcohol-dependent patients in primary care. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The present study was a two-group, parallel, randomized controlled superiority trial comparing iCBT+TAU versus TAU-only at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. TAU was delivered at 14 primary care centers in Stockholm, Sweden. A total of 264 patients (mean age 51 years, of whom 148 were female and 116 were male) with alcohol dependence and hazardous alcohol consumption were enrolled between September 2017 and November 2019. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were randomized at a ratio of 1:1 to iCBT, as a self-help intervention added to TAU (n = 132) or to TAU-only (n = 132). The GPs gave participants in both treatment arms feedback on the assessments and biomarkers and offered TAU at the primary care center. Primary outcome was weekly alcohol consumption in g/week at 12-month follow-up, analyzed according to intention-to-treat (n = 132 + 132). The per-protocol analysis included participants who completed at least one module of iCBT (n = 102 + 132). FINDINGS: There was no significant difference in weekly alcohol consumption between iCBT+TAU and TAU in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis at 12-month follow-up [iCBT+TAU = 133.56 (95% confidence interval, CI = 100.94-166.19) and TAU = 176.20 (95% CI = 144.04-208.35), P = 0.068, d = 0.23]. In the per-protocol analysis, including only those who initiated iCBT, the iCBT+TAU group showed lower mean weekly alcohol consumption compared with TAU [iCBT+TAU = 107.46 (95% CI = 71.17-143.74), TAU = 176.00 (95% CI = 144.21-207.80), P = 0.010, d = 0.42]. CONCLUSIONS: In Sweden, an internet-based cognitive-behavioral program added to treatment-as-usual to reduce alcohol consumption showed weak evidence of a benefit at 12 months in the intention-to-treat analysis and good evidence of a benefit in the per-protocol analysis.

Quality-adjusted life years among people who inject drugs in a needle syringe program in Sweden.

PURPOSE: Needle syringe programs (NSP) significantly reduce risk behavior and HIV and hepatitis transmission in people who inject drugs (PWID). However, PWID are underrepresented in studies on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), representing a barrier to evaluate effects of public health and preventive measures related to injecting drug use. In this study, we investigate how well the two questionnaires EQ-5D-3L and SF-6D measure health in PWID. We also estimate HRQoL in the PWID population. METHOD: Data on demographics, injection drug use, HIV, hepatitis status, and self-reported HRQoL were collected from 550 PWID enrolled in the Stockholm NSP at enrollment and at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Self-rated HRQoL was measured as QALY, using EQ-5D-3L and the SF-6D. Item response theory (IRT) was used to evaluate which of the two instruments that measure health most accurately in this population. Regression analysis was used to estimate population-specific QALYs. RESULTS: The IRT analysis showed that SF-6D was better suited to measure health in PWID. More specifically, SF-6D to a larger extent discriminated between persons regardless of their health status, while EQ-5D was more suitable to detect persons with poorer health. Self-rated HRQoL showed that average QALY was lower among PWID compared to the general Swedish population. However, a general increase in self-reported health was noted over time among participants. CONCLUSION: This study increase knowledge of what instruments are most suitable to measure health among PWID. This is of great importance when evaluating effects of public health and preventive measures in the PWID population.

Psychometric evaluation of a Swedish version of the Impaired Control Scale for individuals with alcohol use disorder.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the Impaired Control Scale. Impaired control (IC) over alcohol consumption is a core symptom of alcohol use disorder and a predictor of treatment outcome, but measures of IC are not well utilised in clinical practice. Methods: The study comprised 250 individuals from a randomised controlled trial conducted at an adult outpatient addiction clinic in Sweden. The statistical analyses concern dimensionality, convergent and divergent validity, reliability, measurement invariance and sensitivity to change. Results: Regarding dimensionality, a principal component analysis of the standardised residuals from a Rasch model indicated some evidence of further dimensions underlying the responses in the Failed Control (FC) and Perceived Control (PC) parts. Two parallel items (12 and 22 respectively) seemed to drive potential multidimensionality. When these items were excluded, goodness of fit to one-dimensional models was improved. Tests of convergent and divergent validity showed that failed control had the strongest associations to impaired control and alcohol use disorder while the attempted control part was not associated with the construct of impaired control or alcohol use disorder. Conclusion: The present results show that the FC part is the most valid measure of the underlying construct of IC. In addition, FC had close to a large effect in regard to sensitivity to change. This suggests that the FC part has potential utility for use as an assessment and evaluation tool of treatment effect on impaired control of drinking.

An online self-directed program combining Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training and parenting training for concerned significant others sharing a child with a person with problematic alcohol consumption: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for interventions helping children affected by parental problematic alcohol consumption (PAC). Such interventions could target partners to individuals with PAC, partners who often themselves show impaired quality of life and mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an online self-directed intervention combining components from Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT) with a parenting training program for concerned significant others (CSOs) sharing a child with a co-parent with PAC. METHODS: A randomized controlled parallel-group superiority trial compared the efficacy of the online intervention for CSOs sharing a child (3-11 y/o) with a co-parent with PAC (N = 37), to an active control group (N = 39) receiving written psychoeducational material. Assessment of outcomes was conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. Primary outcome was children's mental health, while secondary outcomes included parental self-efficacy, CSO mental health and co-parent alcohol consumption and level of dependence. Linear mixed effect models with a factorial time variable were used to model time by group interaction effects. RESULTS: Recruitment rate was slow and a vast majority of interested CSOs were excluded at baseline assessment, mainly due experience of co-parent violence. The target sample size was not met. The intention to treat analysis did not show any significant time by group effects on either the primary or secondary outcomes during the follow-up period: the CSOs reported a significant reduction in co-parent alcohol consumption and severity of alcohol dependence and showed significant improvements in parental self-efficacy for how to handle effects of co-parent alcohol consumption, but no differences were found between the two conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The current study found no evidence supporting efficacy of a novel, online self-directed intervention on children's mental health, CSO mental health and co-parent alcohol related outcomes. Engaging in a support program or receiving information appears to initiate behavior change in the CSOs which affects the alcohol consumption and severity of dependence for co-parents with PAC. It is suggested that future studies may preferably focus on CSOs in more severely affected contexts. Trial registration The trial was pre-registered at isrctn.com reference number ISRCTN38702517, November 28, 2017.

Treatment of alcohol dependence in Swedish primary care: perceptions among general practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: To describe general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes to the management of patients with alcohol dependence in primary care and current treatment routines and their view on a new treatment approach; internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT). DESIGN: A qualitative interview study with ten GPs participating in a randomized controlled trial. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. SETTING: The participating GPs were recruited via purposeful sampling from primary care clinics in Stockholm. SUBJECTS: The GPs were participants in an RCT investigating if iCBT when added to treatment as usual (TAU) was more effective than TAU only when treating alcohol dependence in primary care. RESULTS: The GPs found alcohol important to discuss in many consultations and perceived most patients open to discuss their alcohol habits. Lack of training and treatment options were expressed as limiting factors when working with alcohol dependence. According to the respondents, routines for treating alcohol dependence were rare. CONCLUSION: GPs believed that iCBT might facilitate raising questions about alcohol use and thought iCBT may serve as an attractive treatment option to some patients. The iCBT program did not require GPs to acquire skills in behavioral treatment, which could make implementation more feasible.KEY POINTSAlcohol dependence is highly prevalent, has a large treatment gap and is relevant to discuss with patients in many consultations in primary care.This study is based on interviews with 10 GPs participating in a randomized controlled trial comparing internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) for alcohol-dependent patients to treatment as usual.GPs viewed alcohol habits as important to discuss and they perceived most patients are open to discuss this.The access to iCBT seemed to increase GPs' willingness to ask questions about alcohol and was viewed as an attractive treatment for some patients.The iCBT program did not require GPs to acquire skills in behavioral treatment, which might be timesaving and make implementation more feasible.

Absence of interferon-λ 4 enhances spontaneous clearance of acute hepatitis C virus genotypes 1-3 infection.

OBJECTIVES: Absence of a functional interferon-λ 4 (IFN-λ4) gene (IFNL4) predicts spontaneous resolution of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in regions with a predominance of genotype 1, whereas variants of the inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPase) gene (ITPA) entailing reduced activity associate with increased sustained virologic response rates following some therapeutic regimens. This study aimed at investigating the impact of IFNL4 on acute HCV genotype 2 or 3 infections, and whether ITPase activity influenced outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and seven people who injected drugs (PWID) with documented anti-HCV seroconversion, and 57 PWID with reinfection with HCV were analyzed regarding IFNL4 (rs368234815 and rs12979860) and ITPA (rs1127354 and rs7270101), and longitudinally followed regarding HCV RNA. RESULTS: The spontaneous clearance of HCV infection in anti-HCV seronegative PWID was enhanced when IFN-λ4 was absent (44% vs. 20% for IFNL4 TT/TTrs1368234815 and ΔGrs1368234815 respectively, p < .001; OR 3.2) across genotypes 1-3. The proportion lacking IFN-λ4 was further increased following resolution of repeated re-exposure to HCV (74% among re-infected participants who had cleared at least two documented HCV infections). ITPA genetic variants did not independently impact on the outcome, but among males lacking IFN-λ4, reduced ITPase activity markedly augmented the likelihood of resolution (65% vs. 29% for <100% and 100% ITPase activity, p = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Absence of IFN-λ4 entails an enhanced likelihood of spontaneous resolution both following primary acute infection and repeated re-exposure to HCV across genotypes 1-3. Among men lacking IFN-λ4, reduced ITPase activity improved outcome.

Treating alcohol use disorders in primary care - a qualitative evaluation of a new innovation: the 15-method.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore how the characteristics of an innovation, the 15-method, a stepped care model for treatment of alcohol use disorders in primary care was perceived. METHODS/DESIGN/SETTING/SUBJECT: General practitioners and heads of primary care units (n = 10) that delivered the 15-method in a randomized controlled trial participated in individual interviews at two occasions in Stockholm, Sweden. Data were analyzed with theoretical thematic analysis, using Diffusion of Innovation Theory. RESULTS: The participants described that offering the 15-method met a need among their patients. Participants were positive towards the training and the manual for the method. They mentioned a previous lack of routines to work with alcohol use disorders. The 15-method was described as easy to use. It would however be more feasible to implement in a team of different professions, rather than among general practitioners only. Priorities made by regional health care managers were described as important for the implementation, as well as financial incentives. A barrier to implementation was that alcohol screening was perceived as difficult. While the 15-method was perceived as effective in reducing the patients' alcohol use and cost effective, participants expressed uncertainty about the long-term effects. CONCLUSIONS: The 15-method provides structure for treatment of alcohol use disorders and is described by general practitioners and heads as a promising approach. Being able to offer treatment for alcohol dependence may increase the uptake of alcohol interventions in primary care.KEY POINTSLittle attention has been given to develop treatment models for alcohol use disorders that are adapted to primary care settings.This study describes how an innovation, the 15-method, a stepped care model for treatment of alcohol use disorders in primary care was perceived.The 15-method provides structure for treatment of alcohol use disorders in primary care and is described by general practitioners and heads as a promising approach.Being able to offer treatment for alcohol dependence may increase the uptake of alcohol interventions in primary care.

A prospective cohort study of risk behaviours, retention and loss to follow-up over 5 years among women and men in a needle exchange program in Stockholm, Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Needle exchange programs (NEP) are important in reducing risk behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID), also exposed to HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) through injecting drug use (IDU). Women (WWID) compared to men who inject drugs (MWID), are particularly vulnerable with complex needs, however less is known about their risk determinants and NEP outcomes. METHODS: In an open prospective NEP cohort, 697 WWID and 2122 MWID were followed, 2013-2018. Self-reported socio/drug-related determinants for receptive injection (needle/syringe and paraphernalia) and sexual risk behaviours at enrolment, lost to follow-up (LTFU) and probability of retention, were assessed for both groups. Multivariable logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios, aOR) for enrolment and Poisson regression (adjusted incidence rate ratios, aIRR) for LTFU, were used. Cumulative NEP-retention probability was analysed using a six- and 12-month scenario. RESULTS: At NEP enrolment, injection risk behaviours among WWID were associated with: younger age; homelessness; amphetamine-IDU; non-participation in opioid substitution therapy (OST); history of custody and among MWID: lower education level; cohabitation; homelessness, being a tenant; amphetamine-IDU; non-participation in OST; history of being sectioned, HIV-negative and HCV-positive. Condomless sex among WWID was associated with: younger age; lower education-level; cohabitation; having a partner; amphetamine-IDU; non-participation in OST; being HIV-negative and HCV-positive and among MWID: younger age; married; cohabitation; having a partner; amphetamine-IDU; non-participation in OST; history of custody, prison and being HIV-negative. WWID had higher NEP-retention levels compared to MWID over time. Being LTFU among WWID was associated with being HIV-negative and reporting injection risk behaviours and among MWID, younger age, non-participation in OST, being HIV-negative and having protected sex. CONCLUSIONS: Despite better NEP compliance among WWID, high injection and sexual risk behaviours in both gender-subgroups, especially in intimate relationships, suggests ongoing HCV and HIV-infection risks. Subgroup-variation in the NEP continuum of care warrants more gender-disaggregated research and tailoring gender-sensitive services may improve prevention, health and retention outcomes.

Psychometric properties of the short version of the children of alcoholics screening test (CAST-6) among Swedish adolescents.

AIMS: The Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST-6) is a brief screening instrument developed to identify children with parents having problematic alcohol use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CAST-6 among adolescents aged 15-18 years, and also to identify an optimal cut-off score for this age group. METHODS: A total of 3000 15 to18 year-olds were randomly selected from a register of postal addresses in Sweden. An invitation letter, including access information to the electronic questionnaire, was sent out by regular mail and 1450 adolescents responded with baseline data. Test-retest reliability within a 2-3-week period was calculated based on the 111 respondents who answered the same questionnaire twice. To determine an optimal cut-off score, a small treatment-seeking sample (n = 22) was recruited from a support group agency to be used as a reference group. RESULTS: The six items of the CAST-6 screening test loaded onto one latent factor with good internal consistency (alpha = 0.88), and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.95). The optimal cut-off score among adolescents was 2 points with a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 79% (AUROC = 0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: The CAST-6 has good to excellent psychometric properties among adolescents. The identified optimal cut-off score of 2 points should be treated with caution due to study limitations. The CAST-6 can be used in various settings to identify a vulnerable at-risk group of children and adolescents that may be in need of support.

Could 30 years of political controversy on needle exchange programmes in Sweden contribute to scaling-up harm reduction services in the world?

Aims: To end the hepatitis and AIDS epidemics in the world by 2030, countries are encouraged to scale-up harm reduction services and target people who inject drugs (PWID). Blood-borne viruses (BBV) among PWID spread via unsterile injection equipment sharing and to combat this, many countries have introduced needle and syringe exchange programmes (NEP), though not without controversy. Sweden's long, complicated harm reduction policy transition has been deviant compared to the Nordic countries. After launch in 1986, no NEP were started in Sweden for 23 years, the reasons for which are analysed in this study. Methods: Policy documents, grey literature and research mainly published in 2000-2017 were collected and analysed using a hierarchical framework, to understand how continuous build-up of evidence, decisions and key events, over time influenced NEP development. Results: Sweden's first NEP opened in a repressive-control drug policy era with a drug-free society goal. Despite high prevalence of BBV among PWID with recurring outbreaks, growing research and key-actor support including a NEP law, no NEP were launched. Political disagreements, fluctuating actor-coalitions, questioning of research, and a municipality veto against NEP, played critical roles. With an individual-centred perspective being brought into the drug policy domain, the manifestation of a dual drug and health policy track, a revised NEP law in 2017 and removal of the veto, Sweden would see fast expansion of new NEP. Conclusions: Lessons from the Swedish case could provide valuable insight for countries about to scale-up harm reduction services including how to circumvent costly time- and resource-intensive obstacles and processes involving ideological and individual moral dimensions.

A qualitative study of facilitators and barriers to participate in a needle exchange program for women who inject drugs.

BACKGROUND: Women who inject drugs (WWID) show higher levels of injecting risk behaviour compared to men, putting them at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). Compared to men, WWID are also less present in harm reduction programs such as needle exchange programs (NEP). The aim of this study is to investigate reasons for, and barriers to, participation in NEP among WWID in Sweden, and to identify measures that could be taken to strengthen the program and increase participation among WWID. METHOD: In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 20 WWID who had participated in the Stockholm NEP for at least six months and was over 18 years old. IDIs were audio recorded and transcribed et verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes. RESULTS: The need for sterile injection equipment was identified as the main driver to join and remain in the NEP program. Continuous participation in the NEP was further driven by easy access to a multitude of health-related services. The most valued service was the sexual and reproductive health services (SRHR), allowing participants to access contraceptives, cervical cancer screening and sexually transmitted infections testing (STI-testing). NEP staffs' respectful treatment of participants further contributed to program participation. However, participants also expressed a number of concerns around NEP participation, which created barriers to joining. These included losing custody or visitation rights to children, male partner jealousy and violence, unwillingness to spend time in the waiting area and fear of receiving positive HIV/HCV test results. Practical barriers included limited opening hours and travel distance to the NEP. To strengthen the program, most participants requested additional SRHR services. Most participants also proposed some form of "women only" access to the NEP, to strengthen the feeling of the NEP as a safe space. CONCLUSION: This study identified factors that may increase uptake of NEP among WWID. Additional SRHR services and "women only" access are recommended to be implemented and evaluated as part of NEP. These findings may inform and improve the current scale-up of NEPs in Sweden to ensure equal access to services.

Treatment of Alcohol Dependence in Primary Care Compared With Outpatient Specialist Treatment: Twelve-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial, With Trajectories of Change.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate if brief treatment for alcohol dependence in primary care with the 15-method was as effective as specialist addiction care. In addition, we sought to investigate trajectories for change of alcohol consumption. METHOD: This study was a randomized controlled noninferiority trial, between-groups parallel design, with a noninferiority limit of 50 g of alcohol per week. A total of 288 adults fulfilling ICD-10 criteria for alcohol dependence were randomized to treatment in primary care or specialist outpatient care at a university addiction clinic. The primary outcome was change in weekly alcohol consumption at the 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were heavy drinking days, severity of dependence, consequences of drinking, psychological health, quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and biomarkers. Trajectories were investigated using change in World Health Organization drinking risk levels. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis (n = 231) showed that the estimated weekly alcohol consumption in primary care was 18.2 g (95% CI [14.9, 51.3]) higher compared with specialist care (p = .28). Noninferiority was not demonstrated as the confidence interval exceeded the noninferiority limit. The secondary outcomes showed no differences between primary care and specialist care except that patients randomized to specialist care were more satisfied with treatment. The analyses of trajectories showed the main part of change in consumption occurred from baseline to the 6-month follow-up and was maintained to the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although noninferiority could not be demonstrated, based on similar trajectories and sustained reduction of alcohol use, this study indicates brief treatment of alcohol dependence in primary care with the 15-method is a feasible and promising approach.

Significant decrease in injection risk behaviours among participants in a needle exchange programme.

Background and aims: Sharing of unsterile injection equipment contributes to transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) but is largely preventable through needle exchange programmes (NEP). Sweden has been one of the last countries in Europe to scale up access to NEP for PWID, who consequently have high prevalence rates of HCV and HIV. The aim of the study was to investigate demographic and drug-related determinants of injection risk behaviours, sharing of needle/syringe and paraphernalia, and patterns of change over time in subgroups of PWID participating in the Stockholm NEP.Methods: The Stockholm NEP started in 2013 as the first formal NEP in the region. A total of 2860 PWID were included in this prospective open cohort study. The association between demographic and drug-related determinants and injection risk behaviours were analysed at baseline and followed up at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months post-enrolment.Results: The following factors were associated with high levels of injection risk behaviours at inclusion: female gender, homelessness, low education level, younger age, amphetamine use, not in opioid substitution therapy (OST), being HIV negative and being HCV positive. We found an overall significant decrease in injection risk behaviours over time among participants. Not previously investigated in depth, we found that subgroups of participants varied in degrees of injection risk behaviour reduction over time and that women decreased injection risk behaviours faster than men. Enrolment in OST, HIV positive and age <25 years at inclusion were not associated with a decrease in injection risk behaviours over time.Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study over 4 years, we found that NEP participation was associated with a significant decrease in injection risk behaviours.

Efficacy of an Internet-Based Community Reinforcement and Family Training Program to Increase Treatment Engagement for AUD and to Improve Psychiatric Health for CSOs: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIMS: Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT) is a support program for concerned significant others (CSOs) to identified persons (IPs) with alcohol use disorders, with the purpose of engaging IPs to treatment and to improve CSO functioning. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of an internet-based version of CRAFT (iCRAFT). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial comparing iCRAFT with a wait-list (WL) condition with a nation-wide uptake in Sweden. A total of 94 CSOs to a treatment refusing IP, who described the IP according to DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence or abuse, were included in the study. iCRAFT consisted of five weekly administered therapist-guided modules with the following content: (a) improve CSOs' own mental health, (b) improve the CSOs skills in asking the IP to seek treatment, (c) positive communication skills training, (d) contingency management of IP drinking behavior. Main outcome measure was IPs initiative to seek treatment measured at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were IP's daily alcohol consumption, CSOs mental health, quality of life and relational satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 94 participants, 15 CSOs reported IP treatment initiative during the study period. Of these, 10 belonged to the iCRAFT condition and five to the WL condition. The difference between conditions was nonsignificant, and the results were inconclusive. Participants in iCRAFT showed short-term improvements regarding depressive symptoms, quality of life and relational happiness. CONCLUSION: This study was unable to demonstrate substantial changes in the iCRAFT program regarding IP treatment seeking or CSO mental health.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) related liver fibrosis in people who inject drugs (PWID) at the Stockholm Needle Exchange - evaluated with liver elasticity.

Background and aims: Sharing of unsterile injection equipment among people who inject drugs (PWID) is the major transmission-route for hepatitis C (HCV). HCV is highly prevalent in PWID in the Stockholm needle exchange programme (NEP). The frequency of advanced liver fibrosis among the participants is, however, unknown. Methods: From December 2016 to April 2018, all participants with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) were offered liver fibrosis evaluation at the Stockholm NEP, including liver stiffness measurement (LSM), a medical history and expanded blood tests to evaluate APRI and FIB-4 scores. Results: A total of 2037 individuals were enrolled of whom 964 (47.3%) had CHC. LSM was performed in 203 (21.1%) of eligible participants of whom 85% had mild fibrosis (LSM ≤9.4 kPa) and 15% advanced fibrosis (LSM ≥9.5 kPa). APRI >1 and FIB-4 > 3.25 only identified 30% of participants with advanced fibrosis. However, all 31(100%) participants with advanced fibrosis were detected when APRI >1 was combined with an age of ≥40 years and an injection drug use (IDU) duration of ≥15 years. Conclusions: We found that the diagnostic work-up for advanced fibrosis can be simplified with this combination of easily available factors. This allows identification of PWID in need of immediate HCV treatment to prevent further disease progression. Furthermore, LSM can be avoided among PWID with mild fibrosis, identified by age <40 years combined with IDU duration of <15 years and APRI score <1. This strategy enhances the HCV care cascade where LSM is not easily available, and will thus facilitate HCV treatment initiation.