Alcohol Craving Remedies

The video presented has an important message and hopes to help viewers to become less dependent of alcohol and suggests using alternative remedies when craving alcohol. The video offers two remedies, meaning the has alternative to drinking the alcohol and so can negotiate with themselves whether or not to drink alcohol compared to the benefits of the alternatives.

The message references to family and friends and how they may feel or be affected by the user’s alcohol addiction. Rule, Bisanz, and Kohn (1985) used a questionnaire to investigate who (family, friends, colleges) and what (which kinds of things people try to persuade participants about) participants are persuaded about in their everyday lives. It was found that close family members are most likely to try and persuade participants to change behaviours. Therefore it is relevant to relate health changes to family members as they are likely to be affected and try to persuade the user to change.  

While the message is not presented by a physician is has been found the Internet use among physicians is rapidly increasing (Sullivan & Burke, 1998). It is easily available, low in cost and easy to use. The internet also allows users to interact via feedback and comments. Therefore the use of the internet to promote healthy changes is a positive one. However, the video does fail to state how or why these remedies work in reducing alcohol cravings. 

Rule, B. G., Bisanz, G. L., & Kohn, M. (1985). Anatomy of a persuasion schema: Targets, goals, and strategies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 48, 1127-1140.

Sullivan, P., & Buske, L. (1998). Results from CMA’s huge 1998 physician survey point to a dispirited physician. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 159, 525–528.