Diagnostic and referral reliability in an alcoholism treatment network

Diagnostic and referral reliability were studied throughout an integrated alcoholism referral and treatment network. Diagnosticians included volunteers from an inpatient alcohol program staff, an outpatient referral network, a hospital medical staff, and a hospital administrative staff. Participant category had no influence on diagnostic reliability and only minimal influence on referral reliability. Cases involving only physical addiction to alcohol, particularly withdrawal symptoms, were more reliably diagnosed and referred than were cases involving psychosocial problems alone. Diagnostic practices included consideration of multiple problem areas for each case. Results are related to prior research findings and current directions in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol disorders.