[How to deal with alcohol: a qualitative evaluation of 30 interviews with alcohol-dependent patients]

Alcohol dependence syndrome is a chronic-recurrent substance use disorder. Various treatments have been shown to be effective with a positive impact on the course of the disease. The patients' subjective perception of their disease and the offered treatments remain unclear.

30 alcohol-dependent patients (n = 20 psychiatric clinic, n = 10 addiction counseling) were asked how they had dealt with their alcohol problem in the past. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using current qualitative research methods.

While most patients positively rated many aspects in the three areas of alcohol abstinence, treatment and the social environment, they also described negative aspects in these areas.

The contradicting statements show an area of conflict that demonstrates the ambivalence of alcohol-dependent patients in relevant fields. This ambivalence can be considered as important for the therapy and the course of the disease.