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I evaluate a randomized control trial in rural Kenya in which selected households
received cognitive behavioral therapy and medication to reduce alcohol abuse. Sixteen
months post-intervention, the program decreased the likelihood of positive
spot breathalyzer tests among men by 14 percentage points, the likelihood of heavy
drinking by 19 points, and increased household real annual harvest values by 32
percent. The intervention鈥檚 success is likely due to a confluence of mechanisms,
including expenditure reallocation, improved self-control, and greater information
sharing among peers. This study contributes to growing evidence illustrating the efficacy
of psychological interventions in improving economic well-being.
