Long-term treatment careers and outcomes of previously untreated alcoholics

Author(s): Moos, R. H., Finney, J. W., Moos, B. S., Kaplowitz, M. S.

Journal/Book: J Stud Alcohol. 1999; 60: C/O Deirdre English, 607 Allison Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8001, USA. Alcohol Res Documentation Inc Cent Alcohol Stud Rutgers Univ. 437-447.

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this project was to describe treatment selection and outcomes over an 8-year follow-up period for 466 individuals who had drinking problems and had not yet received formal treatment at baseline. Method: By the 8-year follow-up, individuals had self-selected into one of four groups: no-treatment (n = 78); completed treatment (help was received only in Years 1-3 of follow-up; n = 230); additional treatment (help was received in Years 1-3, with more help in Years 4-8; n = 134); and delayed treatment (no help was received until Years 4-8 of follow-up; n = 24). Results: Compared with individuals who remained untreated, the completed treatment group had more severe drinking problems and depression at baseline, but better drinking outcomes at both the 3- and 8-year fellow-ups. At 3 years, the additional treatment group perceived their drinking problem as being more serious than did the untreated group and was more likely to have drinking-related problems; by 8 years, individuals who had obtained additional treatment were more likely to be abstinent, but still perceived their drinking problems as being more serious. Compared to individuals who completed treatment in Years 1-3, additional treatment group members had more severe drinking and functioning problems at 3 and 8 years. More involvement with formal outpatient treatment or AA was associated with more improvement on drinking indices. Conclusions: Persons with alcohol use disorders who elect to enter formal treatment or AA relatively soon after acknowledging their drinking problems experience better drinking-related outcomes than do those who receive no help or who delay receiving help. Accordingly, referral processes should ensure that problem drinkers enter self help or formal treatment quickly.

Note: Article Timko C, Dept Vet Affairs Hlth Care Syst, Ctr Hlth Care Evaluat, 152, 795 Willow Rd, Menlo Park,CA 94025 USA

Keyword(s): 8-YEAR FOLLOW-UP; PROBLEM DRINKERS; GENERAL-POPULATION; DRINKING PROBLEMS; UNITED-STATES; HELP-SEEKING; RECOVERY; DEPENDENCE; PREDICTORS; ADDICTION

Zurück | Weiter