Alcohol Use Reduction in Methadone Individuals With Hepatitis C Virus(HCV)

The Motivational Interviewing Single Arm is delivered individually to participants in 3 separate sessions to address a specific concept (alcohol use, cravings and what to do with them, and concomitant behaviors and/or consequences of alcohol use). Participants will be encouraged to explore the pros and cons for each of these topics with the facilitator, who will remain non-judgmental. Participants who are eligible for the Hepatitis A/B vaccine are also offered the vaccine in conjunction with each session.

The Motivational Interviewing Group Arm is delivered to participants in groups in 3 separate sessions to address a specific concept (alcohol use, cravings and what to do with them, and concomitant behaviors and/or consequences of alcohol use). Participants will be encouraged to explore the pros and cons for each of these topics with the facilitator and with the group, who will remain non-judgmental. Participants who are eligible for the Hepatitis A/B vaccine are also offered the vaccine in conjunction with each session.

The Usual Care Arm is delivered to participants in three brief time-equivalent health promotion sessions. Each session focuses on health promoting activities such as the importance of diet and exercise, need for physical and mental health assessment and enhanced coping for those afflicted with a history of drug and alcohol addiction. In addition participants receive liver health promotion education. Participants are also provided referrals to alcohol treatment programs in the community and offered the 3 series hepatitis A/B vaccine