COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION FOR ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE: EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS IN A HEALTH CENTER IN THE PERUVIAN ANDES

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention in adults with alcohol dependence treated at a health center in the Peruvian Andes. Using a pre-experimental design, 45 diagnosed participants were assessed with the AUDIT test in pre- and post-intervention measurements. The therapy consisted of weekly 50-minute sessions aimed at modifying maladaptive cognitive and behavioral patterns. Results showed a significant reduction in alcohol dependence, with mean scores decreasing from 29.73 to 20.22 (p < 0.001), and improvements across risk consumption, dependence symptoms, and harmful drinking dimensions. The intervention demonstrated high psychometric reliability of the instrument (α = 0.884; ω = 0.903) and findings consistent with international studies supporting CBT as an effective strategy to reduce relapse, promote abstinence, and improve psychological well-being. It is concluded that CBT represents a robust and adaptable therapeutic tool with potential for implementation in public health services for recovery and relapse prevention in adults with alcohol dependence.