Personality-guided treatment for alcohol dependence: a quasi-randomized experiment

Personality disorders are highly prevalent among alcohol-dependent populations and result in a seriously elevated risk for non-responding to treatment; therefore, they represent a major challenge for professionals providing treatment for alcohol dependence. Personality-guided Treatment for Alcohol Dependence (PETAD), an approach that integrates cognitive therapy for addictive behaviors with strategic intervention for maladaptive personality features, may be helpful for patients with co-morbid alcohol dependence and personality disorders. Clients admitted for inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence at Ringgaarden, Denmark (n = 108) were allocated to either standard inpatient treatment with cognitive therapy for alcohol dependence, or PETAD. Both treatments were manualized. Clients were followed up by mail at six months post-treatment and administered the MCMI-I and II and the SCL-90 at intake, post-treatment, and at follow-up. PETAD was associated with better retention, longer time to first relapse, and less time spent drinking post-treatment, although few differences reached statistical significance. Differences in results were mainly found in the subgroup with higher levels of PD. The study suggests that PETAD is a promising approach that warrants further study.