Locating and interviewing alcoholics 8 years after discharge from hospital

An 8-year follow-up of 85 alcoholic men resulted in 93% interviewed or confirmed deceased. The location and interview techniques used to achieve this high completion rate are reported and the "location" of deceased subjects is discussed. A list of the agencies that might have information on the whereabouts of subjects is provided. The time course of data collection is analyzed. The characteristics of subjects lost under specific follow-up inadequacies or constraints are considered. Our findings can be used by program evaluators as a basis for decisions concerning the best use of their follow-up resources.