Drinking goal selection in behavioral self-management treatment of chronic alcoholics

• Published in: Addictive behaviors 1997-03, Vol.22 (2), p.247-255
• Main Authors: Hodgins, David C., Leigh, Gillian, Milne, Robert, Gerrish, Robin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Alcohol Drinking - psychology; Alcoholism; Alcoholism - psychology; Alcoholism - rehabilitation; Behavior modification; Behavior Therapy - methods; Female; Goals; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance - psychology; Patient Participation; Personality Assessment; Rehabilitation; Self Care - psychology; Social research; Temperance - psychology; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0306-4603; 1873-6327
• DOI: 10.1016/S0306-4603(96)00013-5

The relationship between individuals' choice of abstinence or moderate drinking during outpatient behavioral management treatment and outcome over 12 months' posttreatment was examined. At the initial assessment, 46% of 106 chronic alcoholic subjects chose abstinence, 44% chose moderate drinking, and 9% were unsure. Over the course of treatment, subjects were more likely to move from moderation to abstinence goals, and after the first 4 weeks of treatment, two-thirds chose abstinence. These subjects were older, had more severe alcohol problems (i.e., higher MAST scores), and were more likely to maintain their weekly alcohol consumption goals during the 16-week treatment period. Moreover, these subjects reported less alcohol use in the 12 month follow-up period, and a greater proportion were judged as having successful outcomes. The implications of these findings are discussed.