A multisite randomized controlled trial of VA integrated and enhanced referral behavioral health models on alcohol misuse in older male veterans

Background Despite frequent primary care visits, older veterans may have unmet behavioral health needs regarding alcohol misuse. Identification of alcohol misuse and referral of older veterans seen in primary care to behavioral health care can decrease at-risk drinking and assist in determining effective interventions for older veterans with problem drinking. This study examined the effect of integrated and enhanced referral behavioral health models on alcohol misuse among older veterans.