[Attitudes of alcoholics to addiction-related topics]

In Germany the attitudes towards alcohol consumption and smoking are rather heterogeneous. Although it is well accepted that both behaviours are harmful and often lead to addiction, thus far the attitudes of alcoholics to addiction-related topics have not been evaluated.

In this investigation 228 alcoholics were asked to complete a questionnaire of addiction-related topics.

The attitudes were rather realistic, concerning the harmful effects of alcohol. The beliefs were only slightly influenced by personal involvement (e.g. divorce). Different opinions were given as to the riskiness of illegal drugs. The attitude towards the reasons of alcoholism are most important for therapeutical decisions. Only a third of the patients believed that they themselves were responsible for their addictive behaviour while nearly half accused socioeconomical factors. The curability of their alcoholism as well as their own competence to overcome alcoholism was estimated rather realistically by the patients. The results could not be generalized since the sample mainly consisted of alcoholics who themselves sought an alcohol-specific treatment service. Furthermore the data analysis shows that about 90 % of them regarded themselves as alcoholics.

Future studies have to show whether these attitudes differ from those of the general population and from alcoholics not seeking-help.