Efficiency of Outpatient and Inpatient Alcohol Treatment - Predictors of Outcome

Aim: To study the prediction potential of demographic and psychopathological variables in the patient allocation context. Method: This was a follow-up study of alcohol-dependent patients (n = 242) who were treated in an outpatient (n = 75), inpatient short-term (n = 88), or inpatient long-term (n = 79) setting between 2003 and 2004. Demographic and psychopathological variables were measured by psychiatric basic documentation and the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI) [1]. Abstinence two years after discharge from treatment was the primary outcome criterion. Results: Significant predictors of outcome were a higher secondary school qualification, a finished professional training, later onset of alcohol dependence, less number of treatments for physical illness as well as no history of suicide attempts. Both satisfaction with the family background and being employed were predictors with allocation potential.