Changes of drinking goals in a two-year out-patient alcoholic treatment program

Choice of drinking goals were studied in a two-year out-patient alcoholic treatment program with a low attrition rate. Eighty-four percent of the alcoholics (N = 50) preferred abstinence during the first 3-month period and 64% during the last 3-month period. Forty-four percent changed drinking goals (abstinence or controlled drinking) during the 2-year period. Women had a more stable choice than men (p less than .1). Patients with an abstinence drinking goal during the total 2-year period were more often physically dependent on alcohol and had more drinks during abuse days than the other patients. Patients did not differ in number of abuse days during the 2-year program as a function of goal choice.