What is therapeutic about inpatient alcoholism treatment?

Empirical studies supporting the efficacy of specific techniques and practices in the inpatient treatment of alcoholism are reviewed. The studies confirm the value of an intensive, group-oriented, multimodal treatment approach. Specific features that have been found to be helpful include a responsive intake procedure, patient participation in treatment planning, a professional staff with good interpersonal skills, interdisciplinary assessment and treatment, judicious use of appropriate medication, and a strong aftercare program. These findings may be useful in efforts to assess and compare different treatment programs and to design treatment outcome studies.