Behavioral Activation for Depression and Excessive Alcohol use in Mexicans

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a practice that is part of various cultures. Excessive use of alcohol results in consequences that affect physical and mental health, including social and economic repercussions. However, it is common for alcoholism to be comorbid with emotional disorders such as depression. For this reason, it is important to address this problem with evidence-based effective strategies to mitigate its negative impact both individually and socially. A unique case study using an A-B was conducted to evaluate the effect of adaptin|g Behavioral Activation Therapy for Excessive Alcohol Use (BATD-A). Six Mexican adults in the Xalapa, Veracruz
area, who presented moderate to severe depression concurrent with alcohol-related issues agreed to participate. Over the course of ten group sessions, the protocol was implemented, and participants completed daily monitoring records corresponding to repeated measures. Visual and statistical analysis of these measures showed a significant increase (p < .05) in the frequency of healthy behaviors with a large effect size (Tau-U = .698) and a very large effect size in mood (Tau-U = .918). There was also a moderate effect size decrease in avoidant behaviors (Tau-U = -.499) and alcohol consumption (Tau-U = -.444). Contrasts were conducted at three time
points (pre, inter, and post) for depression severity (Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale; Zung-SDS), activation level (Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale, BADS), and the presence of criteria for a possible alcohol use disorder (Alcohol Use
Disorders Identification Test, AUDIT). The contrasts showed a clinically significant decrease, with level changes in depression severity, being absent for four of them; an increase in activation level and a decrease in risk levels for possible alcohol-
related disorders. The results demonstrate beneficial effects for individuals with alcohol-related problems comorbid with depression. Additionally, being part of a group intervention had benefits in reducing the risk of dropout due to the cohesion
among participants. Moreover, experiencing emotional support from those with similar issues provided additional reinforcement that amplified the impact of the intervention.