Treating alcohol-related violence: a feasibility study of a randomized controlled trial in prisons

Abstract

Purpose: There is a lack of good-quality outcome evaluations of interventions for offenders whose crimes are alcohol-related. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered gold standard in treatment evaluations. Prior to conducting a full RCT it is necessary to conduct a feasibility study to ascertain whether an RCT can be done and to estimate important parameters for a full study. Here, we report on a feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an alcohol-related violence intervention, Control of Violence for Angry, Impulsive Drinkers (COVAID).