Predictors of rehospitalization in a male alcoholic population

The aim of this study was to determine demographic and psychological predictors of rehospitalization in a group of 238 alcoholic patients followed 6 months after hospital discharge. The relationship of the person's perception of the treatment environment and whether treatment was completed or not was also studied in regard to readmission. At the time of admission to an inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Unit, patients gave demographic and medical, social, and vocational histories. They also completed a battery of psychological tests which measured symptoms, mood, and motivation. One week after admission they rated their perception of the treatment unit in regards to 12 dimensions of ward atmosphere. Of the 200 patients available for follow-up, 125 completed the 30 to 50 d treatment and 75 did not. Thirty percent of the patients were readmitted within 6 months. Patients with more stable life histories in terms of employment and family background were less often readmitted. Being depressed, angry, inert, and thoughtful (preoccupied) was associated with relapse. In addition, patients who had a low need to succeed at the time of admission were less prone to remain in the community. Perception of the treatment ward as more autonomous was related to longer community tenure. Whether or not treatment was completed was not associated significantly with readmission. Since hospitalization is costly both socially and economically, identifying predictors which distinguish those individuals prone to relapse may lead to the establishment of different goals for these patients within alcohol treatment programs.