Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorders in Chile

Purpose: This article presents a pilot study exploring the applicability of a linguistically adapted, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) program, implemented by social workers in Chilean primary care. Method: We completed a single-case design with eight replications. To analyze the results of the program on participants' alcohol use and other related variables, we conducted visual and percentage of nonoverlapping data analyses. Results: Social workers successfully implemented 10 of the 13 SFBT techniques. Although results need to be interpreted with caution, positive trends were observed. Participants increased their "percentage of days abstinent," diminished "consequences of alcohol use," decreased their "depression index," and increased their "self-reported well-being." Discussion: Results are consistent with previous studies on SFBT and alcohol use. Exception and coping questions may serve to increase abstinent days. SFBT focus on issues other than alcohol that are important to clients could help to reduce harm on individuals who use alcohol.