Participants and procedure
psychiatric
DISORDER
Participants were recruited within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Stockholm, Sweden, that investigated the efficacy of two psychological treatments: Behavioral Self-control Training (BSCT) and MET, including 250 individuals with AUD and a goal of controlled drinking. The primary outcome of the trial has been reported elsewhere. For detailed information on participants and study procedures in the RCT, see Ingesson Hammarberg, in press. The original trial was approved by the Regional Ethics Board in Stockholm (DNR: 2016/634-31/2). The current study was approved by the Regional Ethics Board, as an amendment to the original study. The trial was retrospectively registered in ISRCTN (14,539,251) (05/06/2018). The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was reported in accordance with the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research) (COREQ) checklist [All patients underwent assessment as part of the clinical trial protocol, including of level of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related consequences, and psychiatric diagnostics. Inclusion criteria were: a stated goal of controlled drinking, fulfilment of a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, and age 18–70 years. Exclusion criteria were: fulfilment of any other substance use disorder except nicotine, severe psychiatric comorbidity, and severe somatic risk related to continuous alcohol consumption.Participants in this study were recruited during 2021, among those who had received MET and attended the 26-week follow-up in the RCT. If consenting, participants took part in an interview either via a video meeting platform or by telephone. All participants gave verbal and written consent to participate and to data being used in a scientific publication. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed by the interviewers. None of the participants withdrew consent after being interviewed and there was no reimbursement for their participation.