Employment factors in outpatient recovery of alcoholics: a multivariate study

This study examined the effects of patient and treatment variables on alcoholic outpatient recovery over a one year period. One-hundred-seventy-four subjects, dichotomized by age (less than or equal to 42 or greater than 42) and employment status (employed or unemployed), were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (medical check-up, medication, or multi-therapy). Seventy-eight percent of these subjects were available for follow-up. Dependent measures included neuropsychological functioning and subject ratings of mood and alcohol consumption. Statistical analysis was by a 2 X 3 X 2 MANOVA. Employment status was a significant variable relative to positive outcome changes on mood and neuropsychological functioning. Moreover, older employed alcoholics showed a significant reduction of confusion. No group differences were noted at outcome with respect to age or treatment. The implications of the results for conventional alcoholism outpatient treatment are discussed.