The Short Inventory of Problems (SIP) was used to assess each of 15 negative consequences due to drinking in the past 3 months and ever in the patient’s lifetime [20–23]. The number of adverse alcohol-related consequences were summed as a measure of the total number of reported negative consequences in the past 3 months and ever. We used this descriptive measure because it reflected the number of symptoms, rather than the total SIP score which is more abstract because it takes into account both the number of negative consequences and severity. Interviewers also assessed prior treatment utilization by asking: “Have you ever gone anywhere or seen anyone for a reason that was related in any way to your drinking: a physician, counselor, Alcoholics Anonymous, or any other community agency or professional?” with 3 response options: No; Yes, prior to the past year; and Yes, during the past year [24]. Three 10-point Likert scale readiness “rulers,” [25, 26] adapted from a previous primary care trial [27], were used to assess readiness to change, the importance of change, and confidence in the
