[Results of alcoholism treatment 28 months after admission.]

Alcoholism and other substance use dis-orders are prevalent chronic disorders. It is therefore important to study the outcome of treatment provided to assess current state as a reference for future comparison.

From December 1991 to September 1992 a total of 351 patients admitted to the three main treatment options for alcohol and other substance disorders in Iceland were selected as a representative sample of those seeking treatment. They were evaluated with a structured psychiatric interview and asked about their alcohol and social history. At 16 and 28 months the patients were followed-up to study the outcome.

About 16% of the patients remained abstinent throughout the 28 months follow-up period. The best outcome was found among younger, married, fully employed patients without other psychiatric diagnoses, 23-28% being abstinent for 28 months. The poorest outcome was seen among the divorced and among patients with more than four prior treat-ments where less than 10% were abstinent for 28 months. Similar proportions of patients seeking each of the three units were readmitted, between 42% and 54%.

Outcome of treatment of alcoholism and other substance use disorders depends to a substantial degree on the patients' comorbidity, and prior further new and better treatment methods for these disorders, but more important, preventive efforts against substance use disorders must be increased.