Acceptability of nonabstinence treatment goals among alcoholism treatment programs

The main objective of this study was to identify the number and type of alcoholism programs in the province of Ontario, Canada, which endorse treatment goals other than complete abstinence. A survey of all alcoholism programs in the province revealed that 36.7% of the programs found nonabstinence goals appropriate for at least some clients. Endorsement of nonabstinence goals was lowest for detoxication centers and residential treatment services, and highest for nonresidential programs and assessment-referral services. Endorsement of nonabstinence goals was higher among programs aimed at young people and those associated with the criminal justice system. Within a treatment program, the use of various kinds of assessment methods and treatment modalities did not appear to be closely associated with the endorsement of abstinence vs nonabstinence treatment goals.