Treatment and follow-up variables discriminating abstainers, controlled drinkers and relapsers

A group of behaviorally treated abstainers, controlled drinkers and relapsers who had been followed up for a minimum of 1 year were compared on eight treatment and 11 posttreatment variables. Discriminating characteristics of abstainers were their goal of abstinence at discharge and length of attendance at aftercare facilities. Controlled drinkers had a goal of controlled drinking and were most likely to have had controlled drinking training during treatment. Relapsers were most likely to have been discharged from treatment prematurely, to receive further treatment and to use psychotropic medication. No controlled drinkers attended Alcoholics Anonymous or received residential care during follow-up in contrast to a small proportion of abstainers and relapsers who did. Some aspects of the drinking behavior of controlled drinkers and relapsers were also studied. Controlled drinkers were more likely to have a period of initial abstinence and for a longer period of time. Of the controlled drinkers, 66% drank at least once per week and 86% set themselves drinking limits; average consumption of alcohol was 48 and 32 g/day by men and women, respectively. The majority of controlled drinkers changed their preferred beverage and their social and physical drinking environment after treatment in accordance with therapeutic advice.