Moderate drinking in ex-alcoholics: recent studies

The literature on the occurrence of moderate drinking in ex-alcoholics that has been published since the Rand report in 1976 is reviewed. Although differences in diagnosis, definitions of moderate drinking and length of follow-up make strict comparisons of the studies difficult, the majority of studies seem to indicate that the earlier reports of the frequency of such moderate drinking may be overly optimistic. Depending on the definition of moderate drinking that is used, the longer the interval required for alcoholics to sustain moderate, problem-free drinking, the less likely is such an outcome. Among treated alcoholics, the percentage probably ranges from about 2 to 12%; the percentage may be higher among alcoholics identified in community population samples. Thus far, the only factor common to alcoholics who are able to achieve moderate drinking is their being mild cases (i.e., having fewer lifetime alcohol-related problems than other alcoholics). Factors pertinent in assessing discrepancies between the various studies are discussed.