Psychological factors and health-related behaviour change: preliminary findings

A good deal of controversy surrounds the issue of optimal treatment approaches for persons with an addictive disorder. The field is rampant with questions pertaining to goals of abstinence as distinct from moderation, in-patient rather than out-patient care, and short-term rather than long-term treatment. In recent years it has become increasingly evident to clinicians and researchers that there simply is no single, best, treatment approach for all patients suffering the effects of substance abuse. These effects constitute a multi-faceted disorder that involves biological and medical aspects, social and psychological dimensions, psychiatric and policy perspectives. A "systems" approach to the treatment of alcoholism is emerging with the identification of various alcoholic syndromes, each demanding a different management strategy. Such an approach requires new methods of patient assessment, and this paper identifies psychological factors that may influence not only the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholic syndromes, but also other health-related behaviour disorders. (The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Addiction Research Foundation.).