Self-help large-group therapy for alcoholism: a controlled study

An innovative approach to ambulatory alcoholism treatment is proposed, based on adapting a self-help modality to the institutional clinic setting, for more cost-effective care. It draws on the principles of social influence in large groups, and diffuses the therapist's perogatives among more advanced patients. The program thereby operates with half the usual counseling staff. In this study (n = 235), a controlled comparison of this approach was made with more conventional clinic treatment, based on small-group therapy. Retention and visit rates of the experimental patients over 1 year of care were no different from the control patients, and engagement of inpatients into ambulatory care was more effective.