[Treatment outcome after inpatient alcohol withdrawal: impact of motivational interventions: a comparative study]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether attending an extended inpatient detoxification treatment programme for alcohol-dependent patients providing psychotherapeutic interventions and coping skills training (QE) is associated with higher aftercare treatment attendance and higher abstinence rates compared with conventional detoxification treatment (KE).

A total of 117 patients were investigated. (QE sample n=61, KE sample n=56). Patients were followed up for at least 2 months and attendance at different aftercare treatment facilities and drinking behaviour were assessed.

At discharge from inpatient treatment patients receiving QE report an increased perceived ability to stay abstinent when confronted with high-risk situations in the future. At follow-up, a higher abstinence rate and a higher frequency of self-help group attendance and outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment were reported in the QE sample. A regression analysis supports the chosen treatment as the main factor for success and rules out a potential sampling bias.

Although methodological limitations have to be taken into account, our results suggest that QE provides better chances of treatment success than KE.