[Outpatient behavioural treatment in alcoholism: alcohol consumption and sociodemographic factors]

In spite of the increasing interest in outpatient treatment programmes for alcohol dependents, there still exist only a few experimental studies on this issue. Moreover, the interaction between abstinence and sociodemographic factors has been only rarely explored. In this study, the efficiency of different behaviour therapy strategies was examined: 120 patients were randomly assigned to nonspecific supportive therapy or to 2 forms of behavioural therapy (coping skills training and cognitive therapy). Behavioural treatment comprised 26 weekly sessions; follow-up examinations took place every 6 months over 2 years. Patients undergoing behavioural therapy showed less drop outs and significantly higher rates of abstinence and also of reemployment and satisfaction with their job situation compared to those under supportive treatment. At the same time, the employment status proved to be a valid predictor of treatment success, whereas there was only a weak (negative) impact of an existing partnership on abstinence. Statistically significant differences between the 2 behavioural therapy strategies could be established in neither respect.