Alcohol dependent inpatients who receive general hospital care vs. detoxification in psychiatric care and alcohol problem 1 year later.

AIM: The aims were to investigate differences between alcohol dependent inpatients who seek alcohol treatment and those who do not seek alcohol specific but general hospital treatment, and to investigate problem drinking 12 months after hospitalization.

METHODS

Two samples of alcohol dependent inpatients were recruited: N=571 at general hospitals and N=473 at psychiatric alcohol detoxification units, and were followed-up 12 months later.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that higher age, living alone, being employed, previous help-seeking, increased severity of dependence, increased adverse consequences from drinking and increased motivation were significant predictors of receiving alcohol detoxification vs. general hospital treatment. A composite assessment of motivation to change and to seek help was the strongest predictor of positive outcome 12 months later.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol dependent individuals who receive detoxification in psychiatric care have a more severe alcohol problem and fewer social resources than those treated in general hospitals. Interventions targeting at enhancing motivation to change and to seek help should be part of routine general hospital care and of detoxification treatment in psychiatric care.