The Two-Years' Prognosis of 50 Alcohol Addicts after Treatment in Hospital

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The selection, treatment and detailed follow-up over 2 years from discharge of 50 alcohol addicts admitted consecutively to hospital is described. The subsequent state of these patients is given in terms of their social adjustment, as well as their addictive state. With the aid of a histogram, 3 groups are defined according to best outcome (36%), worst outcome (32%) and a middle group (42%). Of patients who recommenced drinking 87.5% began within 6, and nearly all of these within 3, months after leaving hospital. Predictions made 6 months after discharge, based on the patients'' behavior during that time, would result in a prognostic misclassification of less than 20% of all cases in the series. Predictions made in hospital about future drinking habits of these patients were gloomier than the facts warranted. The relationship of outcome as described to various characteristics of the patient was examined and the following profile emerged of the patient with favorable outcome: intermittent drinker of good previous personality with satisfactory work record, with close personal ties to (at least) some one person, married, seeking help for the first time, rating 1 or more for social stability (Straus and Bacon), who continued to accept the aid afforded by Antabuse and Alcoholics Anonymous.