INTRODUCTION: The study aim was to identify predictors of motivation to reduce alcohol consumption and whether motivation predicts engagement in alcohol misuse treatment in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD).

METHODS: Data from health surveys and health-care registries were combined.

RESULTS: Of 674 patients with ALD, 65% consumed alcohol. Recent hospital admission and severe alcohol problems were associated with motivation to reduce alcohol consumption. Two-year probability for engagement in misuse treatment was 29% for patients with motivation to reduce alcohol consumption versus 6.5% for patients without motivation.

DISCUSSION: ALD patients with recent hospital admission were more motivated to cut down alcohol consumption, and motivation predicted engagement in alcohol misuse treatment. This insight can help us target brief interventions.