[
Stepped alcohol treatment (SAT) offered via telehealth helps people with chronic liver disease (CLD) reduce alcohol consumption, according to a study published online June 24 in Hepatology.
Derek D. Satre, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and colleagues evaluated the efficacy of telehealth SAT, which consisted of three motivational interviewing sessions followed by addiction medicine referral if no drinking reduction at month 3. One hundred fifty-seven adults with CLD and unhealthy alcohol use (>7 drinks/week or ≥4/day for women; >14/week or ≥5/day for men; or heavy episodic drinking) were randomly assigned to SAT (81 participants) or usual care (76 participants).
The researchers found that SAT had no difference in percentage of alcohol use below moderate level (primary outcome) versus usual care. However, SAT had greater reduction in drinks/week from baseline to month 3 and month 6 (estimates, −0.66 and −0.67, respectively) (secondary outcome). Compared to usual care, the six-month effect of SAT on alcohol use reduction remained significant when controlling for covariates. The 30-day abstinence rates were 29% for SAT and 18% for usual care at month 6. There was a positive association between baseline motivation to reduce alcohol use and treatment response.
“Integrated alcohol interventions remain rarely implemented in liver clinics,” study senior author Mandana Khalili, M.D., also from UCSF, said in a statement. “This treatment gap is particularly serious given that current guidelines advise offering these interventions to all patients with CLD.”
Several authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.
Publication details
Derek D. Satre et al, A randomized controlled trial of stepped treatment to reduce unhealthy alcohol use in patients with chronic liver disease, Hepatology (2026). DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001796
Journal information:
Hepatology
Key medical concepts
Clinical categories
© 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Citation:
Stepped alcohol treatment via telehealth reduces alcohol use (2026, June 30)
retrieved 30 June 2026
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-alcohol-treatment-telehealth.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% Off
Ghost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% Off
Marc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% Off
Ted Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 01/07/2026 03:53 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% Off
Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% Off
Christina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% Off
Calvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% Off
Jimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% Off
Fruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
28% Off
ATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
17% Off
Men's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
£5.88 (as of 12/11/2025 00:52 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Crevice Cleaning Brush, Bathroom Tile Groove Gap Cleaning Brush,Premium Crevice Cleaning Tool Aluminum Support with 15° Angle Magic Brush, Thin Brush for Home Kitchen
19% Off
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones in Ear with HiFi Stereo Deep Bass, 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic Wireless Earphones 40H Playtime, Bluetooth Earbuds Dual LED Display, IP7 Waterproof, USB-C
42% Off
