Effects of Outpatient Treatment for Problem Drinkers

Author(s)

Stephen A. Maisto, Vanderbilt University
Linda C. Sobell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Mark B. Sobell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Barbara Sanders

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1985

Publication Title

American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Volume

11

Issue/Number

1-2

First Page

131

ISSN

0095-2990

Last Page

149

Abstract/Excerpt

This study was designed to investigate the effects of treatment length restriction and follow-up interview style on the outcomes of male alcohol abusers in out-patient treatment. Subjects (N = 48) were randomly assigned to one of four independent groups based on the factorial combination of the two independent variables. Extensive pretreatment data were collected about subjects' drinking and related behaviors, and subjects were then scheduled for monthly interviews. Subjects were interviewed for 18 months postadmission concerning these same factors. Subjects' self-reports were compared with collateral reports, official records, and breath tests. Outcome results showed no effects of follow-up interview style or treatment length restriction on drinking behavior and employment outcomes. However, subjects' drinking behavior postadmission was considerably improved compared to their pretreatment ethanol consumption. Temporal analyses of the drinking behavior data showed that it was possible to predict drinking behavior, especially of the same type, within pretreatment and postadmission intervals. However, it was not possible to predict postadmission drinking from pretreatment drinking. Treatment implications of the findings are discussed.

DOI

10.3109/00952998509016855

NSUWorks Citation

Maisto, S. A., Sobell, L. C., Sobell, M. B., Sanders, B. (1985). Effects of Outpatient Treatment for Problem Drinkers. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 11(1-2), 131-149.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/133