Electronic letters to:

Research:
Tiina Podymow, Jeff Turnbull, Doug Coyle, Elizabeth Yetisir, and George Wells
Shelter-based managed alcohol administration to chronicallyhomeless people addicted to alcohol
CMAJ 2006; 174: 45-49 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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Electronic letters published:

[Read eLetter] Rebuttal From the Authors:
Podymow et al.   (18 January 2006)
[Read eLetter] Early interventions for alcohol abuse
Ediriweera Desapriya   (13 January 2006)
[Read eLetter] error in text regarding alcohol consumption
Ann Kelly   (3 January 2006)

Rebuttal From the Authors: 18 January 2006
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Podymow et al.
University of Ottawa

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Re: Rebuttal From the Authors:

tpodymow{at}uottawa.ca Podymow et al.

There is no error in the text. All of the participants consumed alcohol daily, prior to and during program participation. The table specifies daily consumption of nonbeverage alcohol, which is non-potable alcohol such as mouth wash. In this study, 47% reported daily consumption of nonbeverage alcohol.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared
Early interventions for alcohol abuse 13 January 2006
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Ediriweera Desapriya
Department of Pediatrics

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Re: Early interventions for alcohol abuse

edesap{at}cw.bc.ca Ediriweera Desapriya

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health and economic problem in Canada. Physicians should increase their use of screening and refer patients to mental health and addiction services agencies. Findings from Meta analyses support the conclusion that interventions reduce alcohol related problems (1, 2).

Better screening protocols and interventions and initiatives in medical settings-especially emergency departments (EDs)- could extend the capacity to identify high risk drinkers and to provide interventions that may reduce their alcohol use.

Although the average effectiveness of most types of treatment tended to be greater than no treatment, the analysis (1) suggested that treatments which combined education and psychotherapy/counseling, with some type of follow-up monitoring, such as regular contact with a probation officer or aftercare, were the most effective in deterring future DUI behavior. These combined strategies were more effective than education alone and probation alone in reducing subsequent alcohol related problems. They are valuable measures that can significantly improve the health of our population. More over, their benefits may also be observed in reduction in rates of alcohol related morbidity and mortality at the population level. As previous studies have shown that 85 percent of Canadians with alcohol dependence do not seek help, the need for effective screening and brief interventions is very important (2). (1). Wells-Parker E., Bangert-Drown S.R., McMillan, R., Williams, M., final results from a metaanalysis of remedial interventions with drink- drive offenders. Addiction 1995; 90: 907-926 (2). Mann R.E., Alcohol disorders in Canada: The need for intervention. CMAJ 1997; 157: 1543-5

Co-authors: Dr. Ian Pike Department of Pediatrics-UBC

Dr. Shelina Babul Department of Pediatrics

Conflict of Interest:

None declared
error in text regarding alcohol consumption 3 January 2006
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Ann Kelly
Vancouver Agreement

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Re: error in text regarding alcohol consumption

ann.kelly{at}vancouver.ca Ann Kelly

I believe there is an error in the results section regarding participant alcohol consumption. The authors state that participants alcohol consumption was 46 drinks a day but the table suggests 47% had daily alcohol consumption. Otherwise a very useful contribution to the harm reduction field and study methods for this challenging group of study partipants.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared