Substituting SMSs for Provider-delivered Care to Improve Alcohol Use Outcomes

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (≥ 18 years old) * Meets criteria for "hazardous drinking" according to the AUDIT (total score of ≥ 6 for women, ≥ 8 for men) * Has cellphone access at least half the days of the week, regular access to electricity to charge the phone, and is comfortable receiving study-specific SMSs related to alcohol use treatment on the phone * Willing to participate in a study focused on problem drinking * Willing and able to regularly come to the health facility/clinic for intervention sessions during the active intervention period * Able to read in Sesotho or English or has a treatment supporter (e.g., family member) able to read study-related materials * Willing to have intervention sessions audio-recorded * Attends one of the study clinics and intends to remain at the same clinic for the duration of the trial Exclusion Criteria: * High-risk alcohol use that warrants medical management * Known brain tumor or brain damage, history of epilepsy, or history of delirium * Untreated major mental illness that interferes with study participation, such as psychosis, or mania * Reported pregnancy at time of enrolment * Currently receiving psychological treatment for alcohol use * Participation in another trial that is judged by the site investigator as non-compatible with this study * Unable to provide informed consent