[Treatment of alcoholics based on the control principle. A prospective study of therapeutic results]

The results of a psychotherapeutic inpatient treatment for alcoholism using the goal of increased control of drinking are reported. The patients participating and the outcome of the first 18 months after treatment are presented. Eighty-six patients participated in the treatment and between 78 and 71 of these could be followed-up. Before the treatment the great majority of the patients drank in accordance with the diagnosis addictive alcoholism. The mean duration of alcohol problems was nine years and the first therapeutic contact had taken place six years ago. The results are compared with the situation on admission and the 12 month period before treatment. After treatment, the mean daily alcohol consumption was nearly halved. About 3/4 of the patients reduced their drinking, half of the patients by more than 50% and 1/4 by more than 75%. Half of the patients drank less than six drinks per day, 1/3 less than four, and 1/4 less than three. The consumption showed a decreasing tendency during the 18 month period mainly due to an increase in non-drinking days. The patients' satisfaction with their mental condition, their relation to family and friends and life in general was greatly increased. The socio-economical problems were restored compared to the situation on commencing treatment but not to a level above the situation in the 12 months period before treatment. It is concluded that severely dependent alcohol abusers can be helped by psychotherapy with their mental or life problems and thereby increase control with their alcohol consumption.