Nonproblem drinking outcomes in adolescents treated for alcohol use disorders

Change to nonproblem drinking was studied in 159 adolescents (70% male) presenting for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) treatment. A community sample (n = 148,47% male) also was assessed. Clinical participants had a current AUD at baseline; 1 year later, 17% remained abstinent, 60% had at least 1 AUD symptom (problem drinkers), and 23% were drinking but had no AUD symptoms (nonproblem drinkers). Drinking among the nonproblem drinkers decreased and was lower than in the problem drinkers. Nonproblem drinkers increased in psychosocial functioning and decreased in the number of illicit drugs used relative to problem drinkers and generally did not differ from the abstainers. The results suggest alternative views of treatment goals, relapse, and treatment outcome in adolescents.