[Controlled alcohol intake. Is it possible to predict which alcohol abusers can manage a more controlled drinking?]

The purpose of this investigation was to identify parameters of predictive value as to which alcohol abusers can manage controlled alcohol intake. Of 72 patients admitted during one year with alcohol abuse as a major diagnosis 27 attempted controlled drinking in a total of 64 events. Socio-demographic data and history of alcohol abuse had no predictive value in identifying patients who could achieve a controlled alcohol intake. However, it appears that a desire and hope for an improved psychological well-being can increase alcohol-abusers' control of alcohol intake. We also found a good correlation between the opinion of an experienced clinician as to which patients should attempt controlled drinking and the patients' own estimation of their possibilities, but neither evaluation had predictive value for the outcome of attempts at drinking. We conclude that it is difficult to predict the outcome of attempted controlled alcohol intake during and after treatment for alcohol abuse.