Table 2

Module contents and comparison between alcohol and depression self-help (arm 1) and alcohol self-help only (arm 2)

NoArm 1: alcohol and depression self-helpArm 2: alcohol self-help only
M1Introduction (1750 words)

  • Introductory words (tailored to arm 1)

  • Pro and contra of drinking

  • Core motive for change

  • Confidence of change

  • Introduction to consumption diary, mood barometer and planning of positive activities

Introduction (1700 words)

  • Introductory words (tailored to arm 2)

  • Pro and contra of drinking (same as arm 1)

  • Core motive for change (same as arm 1)

  • Confidence of change (same as arm 1)

  • Introduction to consumption diary

mandatory
M2Strategies for goal achievement (2370 words)

  • Introduction (80 words)

  • Changing habits (500 words)

  • Alcohol at home (860 words)

    • Exercise: resisting alcohol in specific situations for the dimension availability and mood

      Reflections on mood

      Drinking in positive situations

      Drinking in negative situations

  • Thanks, I don't drink (160 words)

  • Alcohol for relaxation

    (Short version without link to M7)

  • My personal strategies (tailored to arm 1)

Strategies for goal achievement (2825 words)

  • Introduction (same as arm 1)

  • Changing habits (same as arm 1)

    • Alcohol at home (same as arm 1)

    • Exercise: resisting alcohol in specific situations for the dimension availability and mood

    • Reflection on availability

      Alcohol at home: no good for me

      Alcohol at home: no issue for me

  • Alcohol for relaxation

    (Short version with link to M7—PMR)

  • My personal strategies (tailored to arm 2)

M3Say yes (2330 words)

  • Positive activities (1400 words)

    • Checkbox list with around 80 activities of 5 categories social, leisure time, relaxation, creativity, sports, culture

    • Incorporation in daily life

  • Common problems (930 words)

    • Tips for motivational problems

    • Tips for implementation problems

Say no (2630 words)

  • Thanks, I don't drink (1700 words)

    • Difficulties with rejecting offered alcohol (impolite, shame, outsider, problem outing)

    • Exercise saying no

    • Strategies against ‘persistent seducers’

    • Role-playing exercises

  • Common problems (930 words)

    • Tips for motivational problems

    • Tips for implementation problems

M4Worries and problems (1850 words)

  • Relation of depression and problems

  • 6-step plan

    • My problem

      • Controllable problem

      • Uncontrollable problem

    • My goal?

    • Possible solutions

    • Planning of route to goal

    • Try out the route

    • Review and taking stock

Identify risk situations (1550 words)

  • Identify risk situations

    • In negative emotions

    • In positive emotions

    • For relief/relaxation

    • Habits

  • What now?

    • Seemingly unimportant decisions

M5Craving (1300 words)

  • Forms of craving (physical and mental)

  • Craving and conditioned triggers

  • How to handle craving

    • Distract yourself

    • Talk about it with someone

    • Just be aware of it

    • Bring to mind all negative consequences of consumption

    • Talk to yourself

Craving (same as arm 1)
M6Dealing with slips (474 words)

  • Define what you consider a slip

  • How to deal with it

  • Plan your reaction for future slips

Dealing with slips (same as arm 1)
M7Meeting your needs (2650 words)

  • Sleep: tips for better sleep hygiene

  • Rumination: 6 ways to deal with it

    • Become aware of it

    • Stop your thoughts

    • Let them pass (including an audio file of 5 min)

    • Relax

    • Appreciate the positive; diary of gratitude

    • Tackle problems (referring to M3)

  • Social contacts: importance of and how to (re)inforce them

Progressive muscle relaxation (770 words)

  • Basic overview

  • FAQ

  • Exercise in written words

  • Guided instructions via audio file (15 min)

  • Training in daily life

M8Preserve success (750 words)

  • Your toughest moments?

  • Most helpful modules?

  • Your top 5 strategies?

  • Preserve success (same as arm 1)

  • FAQ, frequently asked questions; PMR, progressive muscle relaxation.