Predicting treatment outcome after ten years among American Indian alcoholics

Forty-five American Indian alcoholics were intensively studied in 1970-1971. In addition to the usual demographic characteristics, research scales included Alcoholism History Scale, Alcohol Withdrawal Scale, Indian Culture Affiliation Scale, Social Competence Scale, Legal Problems Scale, Psychiatric Problems Scale, Liver Dysfunction Scale, Malnutrition Scale, and Abnormal Laboratory Screening Scale. These findings in 1970-1971 were then correlated with a four-item outcome rating obtained in 1980-1981. Better outcome was associated with less parental loss, ever having been married, compliance with treatment recommendations, and having predominantly Indian rather than non-Indian friends. Women alcoholics were unlikely to deteriorate and still survive, although this was the most frequent pattern among the men. Higher Indian Culture Affiliation and more severe Liver Dysfunction in 1970-1971 were correlated with better outcome in 1980-1981. Possible explanations for these findings are considered.